I think it’s worth getting, but you may find yourself conflicted. I wrote this guide to help you make a decision.

I’ll cover the following topics:

Let’s dive on in.

Key Takeaways

• Flow control enhances espresso taste through customized extraction.
• Ideal for coffee enthusiasts and high-end, low-volume cafés.
• Adds complexity and requires skill for consistent quality.
• Increases espresso machine maintenance and potential costs.
• Not suited for fast-paced or high-volume businesses.

Is Flow Control Worth It?

For home-use, it depends.

Flow control can be your best friend if you enjoy experimenting and fine-tuning to get that perfect cup. It’s like learning to drive with a manual transmission—more control and more to manage.

If you’re skeptical about experimenting with flow control, I recommend getting a manual espresso machine—Cafelat Robot or Flair NEO. Then tinker with the flow control.

From there, see whether it makes a difference, then buy a flow control kit or high-end espresso machine.

Fast-paced businesses won’t want to use flow control due to the number of customers you’ll serve daily.

First, brewing your drinks will take longer since you need to chase the right amount of pressure. Second, flow control does put SOME stress on espresso machines.

Continuous use of flow control to serve hundreds of customers will shorten your device’s lifespan. Costing you more money in the long run.

If you’re a smaller café or coffee shop focusing on connoisseurs, flow control may take your drinks’ flavors to the next level. So long as you don’t mind the extra training that’ll come with using this device.

If you came into this post not knowing what flow control is, let’s fix that.

For some machines, check out our selection of flow control espresso machines.

Summary: Flow control is worth it for home enthusiasts and high-end businesses without many customers who want to brew the best-tasting espresso possible.

What Is Flow Control & Is It a Marketing Gimmick?

Flow control is a feature on some espresso machines that allows you to adjust the water flow rate during extraction. Think of it as having a dimmer switch, rather than a simple on/off light switch, for your espresso flow.

Flow control typically involves a flow control module (or mushroom cap)—a valve or a paddle mechanism. By adjusting this, you control the water’s speed and pressure as it passes through the coffee grounds.

This adjustment is critical to fine-tuning the extraction process.

You’d find this feature in high-end machines, or you could add it through DIY kits.

The latter requires disassembling your machine and technical knowledge of espresso machines. Otherwise, you risk damaging your machine.

Now, is it a marketing gimmick? No. It does actually have an impact on the way your drink tastes.

Impact of Flow Control on Espresso Taste

The impact of flow control on espresso taste is multifaceted:

• Customized Extraction: A barista can tailor the extraction to the specific type of coffee being used.
  • This approach can enhance the coffee’s flavor profile, resulting in a more balanced and nuanced taste​​.
• Variability in Flavor Profiles: Different beans have unique requirements for optimal extraction.
• Reduced Channeling and More Even Extraction: Using flow control to apply pressure more gently, especially at the start of the extraction, helps prevent channeling.
  • This results in a more even extraction, which typically translates to a more consistent and better-tasting espresso

Let’s expand on “variability in flavor profiles.”

Some beans (light roast) may benefit from a slower flow rate to fully develop their flavors. Meanwhile, others (e.g., dark roasts) might require a higher pressure to achieve a richer, fuller-bodied taste.

Flow control allows for this level of customization, leading to a potentially wider range of taste experiences from the same coffee beans​​.

And what is espresso channeling?

It’s where water finds the path of least resistance through the coffee puck. Channeling often leads to over-extracting some parts of the puck while under-extracting others​​.

Resulting in a sour- or bitter-tasting drink.

Flow control helps prevent this after learning how to use it properly. It’ll take time to learn how to use it. But is it worth getting? Check out the pros and cons.

Summary: Flow control in espresso machines, adjustable via valves or paddles, enhances taste by allowing customized extraction and pressure management, reducing channeling for a more consistent and nuanced espresso flavor.

Pros & Cons of Flow Control for Espresso Machines

Pros:

• Enhanced Flavor Customization: Adjusts extraction, tailoring flavor to preference.
• Versatility with Coffee Types: Adapts to different beans and grind sizes.
• Improved Espresso Quality: Achieves balanced extraction, enhancing overall taste.
• Experimentation and Learning: Encourages exploring various brewing techniques.

Flow control enhances flavor customization and espresso quality. It suits various beans and encourages brewing experimentation. However, it’s complex for beginners and costly.

Cons:

• Complexity for Beginners: Can be overwhelming for new espresso makers.
• Increased Cost: High-end machines with flow control are more expensive.
• Maintenance Requirements: Additional parts may need more upkeep.
• Inconsistent Results: Requires skill to achieve consistent quality in each cup.

Flow control adds complexity and cost to espresso making. It requires more maintenance and skill for consistency due to having an additional moving part.

Do you still not know whether to use it? Let’s explore why you should use flow control.

Summary: Flow control in espresso machines offers enhanced customization and quality but adds cost, complexity, and maintenance requirements.

Why Use Flow Control?

A home barista might use flow control for several reasons:

1. Even Extraction

Flow control can improve extraction consistency by moderating the initial pressure applied to the espresso puck.

For example, in machines with a rotary pump, flipping the brew lever up bombards the puck with 9 bars of pressure, leading to inconsistencies and channeling. A gentler approach, like a 10-second pre-infusion, can enhance the overall extraction process​​.

2. Experimentation and Customization

Flow control is not essential for making excellent espresso but is beneficial for those who enjoy experimenting and fine-tuning their brewing process.

It allows for personalization of the extraction process according to the specific coffee being used, leading to a more even extraction and a fuller flavor profile​​.

3. Adjusting to Coffee Bean Characteristics

Different coffee beans may require varying flow rates and pressures for optimal extraction.

A slower flow rate might be needed to maximize flavor for some beans, while others might need higher pressure for a full-bodied taste. Flow control enables the user to adjust these parameters, finding the ideal balance for their preferred coffee beans​​.

Let’s dive into how flow control works.

How Does Flow Control Work?

You can control the interaction between the water and coffee grounds by manipulating the water flow. 

A slower flow rate at the beginning (pre-infusion) can gently pull the flavors out, leading to a more evenly extracted and nuanced shot. You could also use the lower pressure to brew drip coffee with your espresso machine.

It’s technically not considered espresso since you could brew at fewer than 9 bars of pressure.

A faster flow rate tends to extract more of the bitter compounds. Thus, the bitter flavors become more prominent. This reaction can result in a more robust and full-bodied shot.

As the water takes less time to pick up the oils and solids from the coffee.

Now, how does this happen?

Espresso extraction is a tango between water and coffee, where compounds from the grounds dissolve into the water. A faster flow means the water spends less time in contact with the coffee, leading to a different extraction profile.

Initially, the water grabs the bright, acidic, and bitter compounds. If the flow is too fast, it may not fully extract the complex, subtle flavors that usually come out with a slower, more prolonged contact.

The impact of a faster flow on flavor can vary depending on factors like the type of coffee bean, grind size, and water temperature.

It’s a bit like a culinary experiment. The same ingredients can yield different results under different conditions.

Let’s explore how it works with different roasts.

Summary: Manipulating water flow during coffee brewing affects the extraction dynamics and flavor profile, with slower flows enhancing subtle nuances and faster flows intensifying bitterness.

1. Light Roast

To moderate the high acidity and sweetness in light roast coffee using flow control, begin with a longer pre-infusion lasting between 5–8 seconds at a slow flow rate of 2–3 grams per second.

This process helps break down the acidity and highlights the coffee’s original flavors.

Then, increase the flow rate for another 5–8 seconds until it reaches 5–7 grams per second​​.

2. Medium Roast

To maximize the flavors in medium roast coffee using flow control, start with a gentle 5-second pre-infusion at a flow rate of 5–6 grams per second. This helps to bring out the caramelized sugars and oily flavors. 

Then, increase the flow by 30%, reaching 6.5 to 8 grams per second, which extracts more natural oils and enhances the body of the coffee.

Finally, taper off the flow by slightly decreasing the water stream, enriching the coffee with a delicious aftertaste​​.

3. Dark Roast

To reduce the bitterness in dark roasts using flow control, begin by increasing the flow rate to extract between 10–12 grams per second for up to 4 seconds. This increases pressure in the portafilter.

Then, lower the flow rate to 4 grams per second to extract the oils and sugars, resulting in a naturally sweet coffee without harsh bitterness​​.

There’s one more thing you should know.

Flow Control Works Differently Among Espresso Machines

When it comes to machines designed for making espresso, they handle flow control in different ways, like:

• Active Flow Control: Advanced machines like the Decent Espresso 1 (DE1) use sensors to adjust water flow in real time for consistent espresso quality.
• Restrictor Valve Mechanism: Traditional machines control water flow with a valve that responds to pressure changes, offering simplicity and control.
• Pump Type: The type of pump (vibration or rotary) affects flow and pressure, with rotary pumps providing more stable extraction.
• Design Features and Pre-infusion: Designs like the E61 group head slow down pressure build-up for a gradual and even preinfusion, enhancing extraction balance.

Advanced machines fine-tune flow with real-time adjustments. Traditional valves balance simplicity with control. Design features ensure even extraction.

You may have read everything so far and wondered, “how’s this different from pressure profiling?”

Let’s check out the differences.

Pressure Profiling vs. Flow Control

Flow control involves using a needle valve to limit the amount of water going to the brew head. Pressure control involves a needle valve that reduces water flow before it reaches the brew head, a popular modification.

Flow control affects pressure. However, you’re not directly controlling the machine’s pressure with it. With pressure profiling, you are.

Do either deliver higher-quality espresso? It depends on who you ask.

Heavyweight coffee champion, James Hoffmann, says that MAYBE pressure profiling doesn’t provide better-tasting coffee in this video: 

If that’s true, then technically flow control is in a similar boat due to both features performing similar tasks. However, I’ve seen several other videos of claims stating that these features improve taste and aroma.

Taste is subjective. That’s all I can say.

However, some baristas have claimed that reducing flow during pre-infusion can help with extracting flavors from light roasts. Since you’re preventing the puck from breaking apart.

High amounts of flow would usually cause a puck to shatter.

Many machines will include flow control or pressure profiling. Some devices, like the Decent Espresso, include both. It allows you to choose whether you want to prioritize flow or pressure.

Now that you’ve decided on a feature to opt for see whether flow control will impact your machine’s lifespan.

Summary: It’s debated among baristas whether each control method delivers better espresso. Both features perform similar tasks in different ways.

Flow Control Impact on Lifespan of Espresso Machine Pumps

Using a flow control pump will not damage rotary pumps due to their bypass valve or a vibratory pumps’ Over Pressure Valve (OPV). Both mechanisms regulate pressure.

However, running shots at a low flow rate MAY put stress over your machine. Hypothetically, most pumps are meant to run for 30 seconds to brew lungo shots or when backflushing. Not for technically brewing drip coffee.

None of the facts above are 100%. You’ll need to use flow control at your own risk. Though, I couldn’t find anyone who had problems with it.

All the information that I found revolves around using flow control at home and not in businesses. The risk of stressing your machine increases since you’re serving tens (or more than 100) customers daily.

You could buy DIY flow control kits or espresso machines that include it. If you’re opting for the latter, check out the next section.

Summary:

Flow control may add more stress to your machine over time when continually applying low pressure.

Best Espresso Machines With Flow Control

Here are some espresso machines to consider that include flow control:

Too expensive? Let’s talk about alternatives.

You could upgrade a Breville Dual Boiler (BDB) for the Slayer Shots mod [1]. This mod involves installing a mechanical valve, enabling control over water flow and pressure during extraction.

It mimics the functionality of high-end machines like the Slayer, known for exceptional espresso. 

This upgrade transforms the BDB, allowing users to fine-tune their shots for a richer, more nuanced flavor profile. It’s a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts seeking professional-level control without buying a new machine.

Here’s a video on installing the mod if you’re curious:

This is a pain to do and will require technical knowledge and steady hands—wish that I had the latter.

This mod won’t work so well for other Breville espresso machines due to them not including a needle valve, which is a key component in applying the mod. Strangers on forums have said that it’s possible to add similar mods to these machines, though.

However, there’s not much documentation.

If you have a bigger budget, you could opt for the Lelit Mara X and buy a flow control upgrade kit for around $250.

The cheapest way to get flow control is to buy a Flair The Neo and get a flow control portafilter. However, it’s a manual espresso machine, which’ll require manual input at every step of espresso-making.

In reference to the table, why’s the Dalla Corte Mina so expensive?

It’s a commercial espresso machine, which means it’s meant for businesses. Ones that typically serve around 50 cups of coffee daily, though [2]. Since it has a single group head, it can’t make that many cups of coffee.

That’s bad for speed and productivity. But it’s great for high-end shops that typically don’t have many coffee drinkers.

And that’s it. Keep reading to see frequently asked questions that may clear any confusion.

FAQs for Flow Control

Read on to find frequently asked questions about flow control.

Will Flow Control Impact Heat Exchangers?

In most cases, it won’t have any impact on heat exchangers. However, you may notice a small impact on the temperature consistency with your espresso machine when using flow control for long periods (more than 1 minute). 

Conclusion

Flow control offers customization in the brewing process. However, it demands a higher level of skill, maintenance, and could put stress on your machine. It’s less suitable for casual users or busy commercial environments.

Plenty of other features will also improve your espresso’s taste, like PID. Learn what PID is and how it works.

I’ll talk about the standard coffee-to-water ratio. Then dive deeper into providing measurements for different brewing methods.

Here is an overview:

Keep reading to stop having bad-tasting coffee.

Key Takeaways

• Use 1:15 to 1:18 coffee-to-water ratio for drip coffee.
• 1 scoop per 6 and 8 oz cup or 1.5 scoops for a 12 oz cup.
• Adjust coffee amount for taste preference.
• 10 grams coffee for 177 ml water standard.
• Use fewer scoops for milder coffee.
• More scoops intensify coffee flavor.

Ratios for Different Brewing Methods

Here’s a guide showing the ideal coffee-to-water ratios for various brewing methods. I’ll provide measurements for those inside the United States and outside.

Read on to learn more.

1. USA Ratios

Here are the measurements for folks who use freedom units

Not American? Keep reading.

2. Metric Ratios

Here are ratios for everyone else in the world:

The following sections will dive deeper into how much coffee you should add for different brewing methods.

Most baristas seem to never agree on universal coffee-to-water ratios for all drinks. However, I’ll use sources from organizations like the SCA when possible for consistency.

Looking for more details? I’ll provide those in a bit. First, I want to talk about the typical coffee-to-water ratio.

Standard Coffee-to-Water Ratio

The Golden Ratio is between 1:15 and 1:18, meaning 1 part coffee to 15 to 18 parts water.

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) has established a guideline known as the Golden Ratio for brewing coffee. This ratio is a standard recommendation for achieving optimal coffee strength and flavor. 

The SCAA recommends approximately 55 grams of coffee for every 1,000 ml (1 liter) of water, which translates to a ratio of about 1:18 [1]. Adjust this ratio within a 10% range to cater to personal preferences​​​​.

For example, using the Golden Ratio for a 150 ml cup of coffee, you would use about 8.3 grams of coffee (150 ml divided by 18).

This standard is designed to help individuals find the right balance between coffee and water for their brewing needs, while maintaining a high standard of coffee quality.

Make adjustments to this ratio based on personal taste preferences, the type of coffee bean, the grind size, and the specific brewing method. I’ll dive into each of these factors later.

Experimenting within the recommended range allows for customization while staying close to expert guidelines for a quality cup of coffee.

The number of “X” measurements per cup of coffee will differ by location. I’ll provide an explanation in freedom units and units everyone else uses.

1. Scoops of Coffee per Cup

• 6 and 8 oz Cup: 1 scoop
• 12 oz Cup: 1.5 scoops
• To Increase Strength (6 oz): Increase it to 1.5 or 2 scoops for a stronger flavor.
• To Decrease Strength (6 oz): If you’re currently using 2 scoops for a 6 oz cup and find it too strong, reduce to 1 or 1.5 scoops for a milder taste.

For a standard 6 oz cup, a common guideline is to use 1 scoop for a mild strength, 1.5 scoops for medium strength, and 2 scoops for strong coffee.

‘Cup’ in coffee brewing often refers to an 8 oz serving, which may require adjusting the number of scoops accordingly. Start off with a single scoop for an 8 oz cup. If the coffee from that doesn’t meet your needs, experiment.

Typically, a standard coffee scoop holds about 2 tablespoons of coffee. That’ll render this next section irrelevant. But if you’re not using scoops, you’ll find it useful.

2. Tablespoons of Coffee per Cup

• 6 oz Cup: 2 tbsp.
• 8 oz Cup: 2.5 tbsp.
• 12 oz Cup: 3 tbsp.
• To Increase Strength (6 oz): 3 tbsp.
• To Decrease Strength (6 oz): If 3 tbsp. per 6 oz cup makes the coffee too intense, cut back to 2 tbsp..

For a standard 6 oz cup, 2 tablespoons are recommended for a regular strength brew. Adjust this up or down for milder or stronger coffee.

For larger cups, such as an 8 oz or 12 oz cup, the number of tablespoons would increase to maintain the desired coffee strength. Start off with 2.5 tablespoons for an 8 oz cup and 3 tablespoons for a 12 oz cup.

3. Grams of Coffee per Cup

• 177 ml Cup: 10 grams
• To Increase Strength: Increase it to around 15 grams.
• To Decrease Strength: 8 grams.

The Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Ratio suggests 55 grams of coffee per 1000 ml (1 liter) of water. This translates to about 8.3 grams of coffee for a 150 ml cup.

Make adjustments for different cup sizes and individual preferences.

For instance, for a 177 ml cup, using 10–12 grams of coffee would result in a typically balanced cup. Use more or fewer grams to adjust the strength and flavor intensity.

If you’re measuring by grams, I recommend getting a coffee scale. It’s more accurate than a kitchen scale, which’ll result in better-tasting coffee. Here are a bunch of recommendations.

Basic Scoops Per Cup Guidelines

Here’s a basic guideline for the number of scoops per cup for different coffee strengths and cup sizes:

For this guideline, I’ll assume a standard coffee scoop is approximately equal to 2 tablespoons (about 10.6 grams) of coffee, and a standard cup size is about 6 ounces (around 177 ml).

Mild Strength:

• 6 oz cup: 1 scoop (2 tbsp. or 10 grams)
• 8 oz cup: 1 to 1.5 scoops (2 to 3 tbsp. or 10 to 15 grams)
• 12 oz cup: 1.5 to 2 scoops (3 to 4 tbsp. or 15 to 20 grams)

Medium Strength:

• 6 oz cup: 1.5 scoops (3 tbsp. or 15 grams)
• 8 oz cup: 2 scoops (4 tbsp. or 20 grams)
• 12 oz cup: 2.5 to 3 scoops (5 to 6 tbsp. or 25 to 30 grams)

Strong Strength:

• 6 oz cup: 2 scoops (4 tbsp. or 20 grams)
• 8 oz cup: 2.5 to 3 scoops (5 to 6 tbsp. or 25 to 30 grams)
• 12 oz cup: 3.5 to 4 scoops (7 to 8 tbsp. or 35 to 40 grams)

These are starting points.

Coffee strength is subjective, and individual preferences may vary. Additionally, the grind size, type of coffee bean, and brewing method can also affect the strength and flavor of the coffee.

Let’s dive into that a bit.

1. Grind Size

I’ll make these sections quick and painless:

• Coarse Grinds: Coarse grinds allow for slower extraction as water passes through them more freely, resulting in a lighter flavor.
  • If you prefer stronger coffee using a coarse grind, you may need to increase the number of scoops.
• Medium Grinds: They offer a balance between surface area and extraction time, suitable for a standard coffee strength.
• Fine Grinds: Fine grinds have a large surface area relative to their volume, allowing for quick and intense extraction.
  • This often results in a stronger flavor, so you might need fewer scoops for a strong cup.

2. Type of Coffee Bean

Let’s talk about beans:

• Arabica vs. Robusta:
  • Arabica beans typically have a smoother, sweeter taste with hints of fruit or berries.
  • Robusta is stronger, harsher, and more bitter.
  • If using Robusta, you might reduce the number of scoops for the same strength level as Arabica.
• Origin and Roast:
  • Light roasts are more acidic and retain more of the bean’s original flavor.
  • Dark roasts are less acidic and have a more pronounced bitterness.
  • Adjust the scoops based on the roast level and your flavor preference.

Ratios for Different Brewing Methods (In-Depth)

Here are more details on what ratios you should consider when using different brewing methods.

1. Drip Coffee

• Ratio: 1:18
• Measurement:
  • 10 grams—2 tbsp. or 1 scoop—of coffee
  • 177 ml (6 oz) of water

Drip coffee involves pouring hot water over ground coffee, which then filters through into a carafe. This method is efficient for extracting flavor and typically requires a standard amount of coffee for a well-balanced brew.

2. French Press (Cafetière)

• Ratio: 1:12 to 1:16
• Measurement:
  • 36 g—8 tbsp. or 4 scoops—of coffee
  • 660 ml (22 oz) of water

The measurements above are for a 3-cup (22 oz) French press and are from the SCA [2].

The French press method involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water before pressing them down with a plunger. The direct contact between the water and coffee grounds requires a slightly higher coffee-to-water ratio for a full extraction.

3. Percolator

• Ratio: 1:16
• Measurement:
  • 5 to 10 grams—1 to 2 tbsp. or 1 scoop—of coffee
  • 177 ml (6 oz) of water

Percolators brew coffee by cycling boiling water through coffee grounds using gravity until the desired strength is reached. This method can result in a stronger brew, so a slightly lower coffee-to-water ratio is often used.

4. Pour-Over

• Ratio: 1:16
• Measurement:
  • 31.25 g—5.8 tbsp. or 2.5 scoops—of coffee
  • 500 ml (16 oz) of water

Pour-over, such as using a Chemex, involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter. The water drains through the coffee and filter into a carafe.

This method often uses a bit more water to ensure a clean, flavorful brew without over-extraction.

5. Cold Brew

• Ratio: 1:5 or 1:8
• Measurement:
  • 1:5
    • 200 g (2.31 US cups) of coffee
    • 1,000 ml (33 oz) of water
  • 1:8
    • 125 g (1.4 US cups) of coffee
    • 1,000 ml (33 oz) of water

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period (usually 12–24 hours).

The cold extraction requires more coffee to achieve a rich and less acidic brew. If the taste is too strong, dilute it with water or milk—it doesn’t matter whether you use cow’s milk or nut milk.

Or you could use a 1:8 ratio instead of the 1:5. The 1:5 ratio is meant for cold brew concentrate, which is stronger cold brew.

6. Turkish Coffee

• Ratio: 1:4
• Measurement:
  • 14 g—2 tbsp. or 1 scoop—of very fine grind coffee
  • 120 ml (4 oz) of water

Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee with water (and often sugar) in a special pot called a cezve. This method creates a strong, unfiltered coffee, hence the higher ratio of coffee to water.

7. Moka Pot

• Ratio: 1:7
• Measurement:
  • 1.5 tbsp.—8g or 0.5 scoops—coffee
  • 5.5 fl oz—160 ml

The Moka pot brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through ground coffee. This method is similar to espresso and requires more coffee for a rich, concentrated brew.

This ratio comes from Starbucks [3].

8. Siphon Coffee

• Ratio: 1:18
• Measurement:
  • 31 g—5.7 tbsp. or 2.5 scoops—of medium-fine grind coffee per
  • 567 ml (19 oz) of water

Siphon (or vacuum) coffee makers brew coffee using 2 chambers where vapor pressure and vacuum produce the brew. This method is known for making a clean and crisp cup of coffee, hence the standard ratio is adequate.

Again, these recommendations are from the SCA [4].

9. AeroPress

• Ratio: 1:16
• Measurement:
  • 15 g—2.8 tbsp. or 1.5 scoops—of fine coffee
  • 235 ml (7.9 oz) of water

The AeroPress is a device for brewing coffee by pressing hot water through fine coffee grounds. This method is efficient in extraction and versatile, allowing for a standard ratio but with room for experimentation.

What if you don’t want to use fancy measuring devices with your coffee? If you’re a pro, you could eyeball everything. Keep reading for tips.

Eyeballing Measurements: Tips & Tricks

Keep these tips in mind if you’re not measuring your coffee:

• Visual Reference for Coffee Grounds: Use a specific spoon or scoop for consistency.
• Assessing Water Levels: For water, most coffee makers have indicators. If using a manual method like a French press, use a measuring cup initially to gauge the amount.
  • With practice, you’ll learn to estimate water levels by sight.
• Checking Filter Capacity: Different coffee makers have different filter sizes.
• Experiment with Ratios: If your coffee tastes too strong, use less coffee. If it’s too weak, add a bit more.
  • Keeping a log of your adjustments can help you find your perfect ratio faster.
• Observe Coffee Bloom: When water first hits the grounds, they should “bloom” or puff up and bubble a bit.
• Consistency of Grounds: The grind size should match your brewing method.

Let’s expand a bit.

Regarding “blooming.” Puffing or blooming is a sign of fresh coffee. If using a pour-over method, pour enough water to wet the grounds and wait for the bloom to settle before continuing.

When filling the coffee filter, avoid overfilling. Fill the filter up to about three-quarters. Filling to this point prevents grounds from spilling over during brewing.

The grounds should be level, not heaped or compressed. If the filter looks too full or the coffee bed is too high, it’s likely overfilled.

We wrote a separate guide discussing what grind consistency to use for each brewing method. You’ll need to check it out in a separate post because there’s too much information to add here.

We discussed different brewing method sizes but not for specific coffee makers. Once we’re done talking about that, there’s nothing else to cover.

Coffee Maker Measurements: Adapting for Size

Here’s a guide in adjusting coffee measurements based on the size of your coffee maker and your desired coffee strength

You may find these taste profiles as “vague.” Here’s a further explanation:

Standard Strength doesn’t taste overly bitter or acidic. It offers a satisfying depth of flavor, highlighting the coffee’s inherent characteristics.

It’s neither too strong or weak, making it enjoyable for most regular coffee drinkers. Expect a pleasant aftertaste and a moderate aroma.

Stronger coffee has a more pronounced flavor profile. It has a more bitter taste, with a higher intensity of the coffee’s inherent flavors. This type of brew can have a thicker body and a more robust aroma.

The aftertaste is usually lingering, often appealing to those who prefer a bold and rich coffee experience. Stronger coffee is less about harshness and more about a concentrated essence of the coffee’s characteristics.

Milder coffee is lighter in flavor and less intense. It has lower bitterness and a softer taste profile. It’s more approachable for those who find regular coffee too intense or overwhelming.

The acidity is usually more pronounced, giving it a brighter character. Milder coffee is smoother and often brings out more nuanced flavors that stronger brews tend to overshadow.

It’s typically less heavy on the palate and may have a shorter aftertaste.

These measurements are guidelines. Personal taste preferences might require further adjustments. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect cup.

I’m making separate tables for the stronger and milder coffee ratios to not overwhelm anyone. Keep reading if you want to intensify or weaken your coffee.

1. Coffee Maker Measurements for Weaker Coffee

Here’s how much coffee and water you should add to a coffee maker to brew weaker coffee:

2. Coffee Maker Measurements for Stronger Coffee

Add this much coffee to your coffee maker for stronger coffee:

FAQs for Adding Scoops of Coffee

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about adding scoops of coffee to your coffee maker.

How Many Scoops of Coffee Should I Add to a Mr. Coffee Machine?

For a Mr. Coffee machine, use 1 scoop (2 tablespoons) of coffee per 6 oz cup of water. Adjust  based on your preferred strength.

How Many Scoops of Instant Coffee Should I Add per Cup of Coffee?

For a standard-strength cup of coffee, use 1 to 2 teaspoons (0.5–1 scoop) of instant coffee, adjusting to taste.

How Many Coffee Beans Do You Use per Cup of Coffee?

You’d need between 76 beans [5]. So long as we take the average weight of a coffee bean as 0.13 grams, then for 10 grams of coffee. This will vary by bean type and size, though.

Conclusion

Standard coffee-to-water ratios range from 1:15 to 1:18. Personal taste and coffee strength preferences can guide adjustments in these ratios. When altering measurements, consider factors like bean type, grind size, and brewing method for the ideal cup.

What if you’re measuring for specific coffee drinks? Learn how to make different coffee drinks and what measurements you’ll need here.

Here’s what I’ll talk about:

Keep reading and learn.

Key Takeaways

• Most Starbucks locations use Mastrena machines.
• These models cost an estimated $18,000 each and can serve up to 25,000 shots.
• You can’t buy these machines anywhere—they’re custom-made.
• Starbucks first used La Marzocco GS5 and GB5 models.
• Their first Mastrena model was the Verismo 801 series.

What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use?

Most Starbucks locations use Mastrena espresso machines, and they’ve been doing so since 2008. These machines are super-automatic and custom-made by Thermoplan AG, a Swiss company. They are not available for public purchase.

Super-automatic means the espresso machine will do all the work for a barista. Including timing shots, applying pressure, and dealing with water temperatures. These devices remove the potential for human error. But don’t offer as much control over the taste.

Before the Mastrena, they used La Marzocco’s GS5 and GB5 models starting from the mid-90s [1].

Why use Masternas?

Because Mastrena customizes the machines to handle the masses that Starbucks baristas must serve daily. Most commercial espresso machines on the market probably couldn’t handle such large amounts of customers.

For example, the Mastenas will brew up to 25,000 espresso shots before requiring repairs or replacements.

Not all Starbucks locations use Mastrena machines. Let’s see what else they use.

Do All Starbucks Use Mastrena Machines?

Many Starbucks Reserve Roasteries worldwide use the Victoria Arduino (Nuova Simonelli) Black Eagle [2]. Otherwise, all other locations will use Mastrena devices.

Starbucks Machine History

Starbucks began in 1971 in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. It focused on selling fresh-roasted coffee beans, tea, and spices. The concept of Starbucks as a coffeehouse began to take shape in 1985 under Howard Schultz’s direction. 

In the 1990s, Starbucks used the Linea machine by La Marzocco, a semi-automatic espresso machine. Later, the Verismo 801 series became the mainstay of Starbucks’ espresso brewing.

Today, Starbucks uses customized Mastrena espresso machines.

FAQs for the Espresso Machine Starbucks Uses

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about the espresso machine Starbucks uses.

How Much Do Mastrena Espresso Machines Cost?

The Mastrena machines they produce for Starbucks stores start at $4,000 and can cost more than $18,000 per machine—estimated costs [3].

Is It Possible to Buy the Same Espresso Machine Starbucks Uses?

It isn’t possible to use the same espresso machine Starbucks uses. Mastrena custom-makes these machines for Starbucks locations.

Conclusion

Almost all Starbucks locations will use custom-made machines by Mastrena. That’s because these machines are made to handle a lot of foot traffic without breaking down.

Do you want to make coffee at home or for your coffee shop? Check out our home and commercial espresso machine recommendations.

You’ll find the following information throughout this piece:

Keep reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• Espresso grinders have unlimited grind settings, while coffee grinders don’t.
• Coffee grinders are cheaper due to having lower-quality parts.
• Coffee grinders are better for multiple brewing methods, while espresso grinders are optimal for espresso and Turkish coffee.
• Espresso grinders typically require more than 1,000 RPM.
• Coffee grinders use burrs or blades, espresso grinders always use burrs.

Differences Between an Espresso & Coffee Grinder Summarized

Coffee grinders have stepped settings, which prevents them from grinding as fine as coffee grounds. Because of this, they’re suitable for coarse coffee grounds.

Espresso grinders have stepless settings, giving the user unlimited options. That makes them excellent for espresso and Turkish coffee.

“Optimal” is the word I’d use to differentiate espresso and coffee grinders. Both grinders can grind coarse and fine grounds. But coffee grinders are optimal for coffee, while espresso grinders are vice versa.

Keep reading to learn how one would define an espresso grinder.

What Is an Espresso Grinder?

An espresso grinder is a device that manufacturers designed to spit out fine, consistent grounds. It often features burrs, not blades. Their burr design, a deliberate choice, ensures a more uniform grind compared to blade grinders.

Adjustability in these grinders is critical, allowing precise control over the grind size. Espresso grinders have micro-adjustment settings (stepless) for grind size control. This allows baristas to fine-tune the grind precisely for optimal espresso extraction.

Burrs grind beans evenly, which is critical for consistent espresso quality. That results in a grind that allows water to extract your coffee beans’ flavor evenly.

High-quality espresso grinders typically include features and design choices to minimize heat and static, preserving coffee’s freshness and flavor. For instance, they’ll include low-speed motors and gear reduction in these grinders to reduce heat and static.

This preserves the coffee’s essential oils and flavor, enhancing the espresso experience.

Now, what’s a coffee grinder?

What Is a Coffee Grinder?

Coffee grinders typically have less precise adjustment options for grind size (stepped). This is fine for various brewing methods like drip or French press since they don’t require such fine grinds.

Their design, often featuring blade or less precise burr systems, results in less uniform grinds compared to espresso grinders. The focus is on versatility rather than the fine precision needed for espresso.

Most standard coffee grinders don’t include specialized features to minimize heat and static, which are more critical in espresso preparation. These grinders are designed for general use, balancing cost and functionality for everyday coffee brewing.

That isn’t enough details? Explore more differences between these grinder types.

Espresso vs. Coffee Grinders

Here are all the areas that coffee and espresso makers differ in:

I’ll expand upon these points further throughout the following sections. Use everything that I teach you to help you determine which type of grinder you’ll need.

Let’s do this.

1. Grind Size Consistency

Summary: 

• Espresso grinders focus on fine grinds.
• Coffee grinders focus on coarse grinds.

Espresso grinders focus on fine grind consistency. They often feature flat or conical burrs made of hardened steel or ceramic. These burrs ensure a uniform and very fine grind, ideal for espresso extraction.

The fine grind is crucial for creating the resistance for water passing through the coffee at high pressure. This process extracts rich flavors and creates the signature espresso crema.

Espresso grinders usually offer micro-adjustments. This allows baristas to fine-tune grind size for optimal extraction.

Coffee grinders, designed for various brew methods, offer a wider grind range. They cater to methods like French press, drip, and pour-over, which require coarser grinds.

These grinders might use blade or burr mechanisms. Burr grinders provide more consistency than blade grinders. However, they often lack the fine-tuning of espresso grinders. This is suitable since methods like French press are less sensitive to minor grind variations.

I mentioned “micro-adjustments.” Here’s more of an explanation for that.

2. Adjustment Precision

Stepped grinders are better for coarse grinds. Brewing methods like French press or cold brew use these grinds. These methods are less sensitive to minor grind size variations. Many stepped grinders will have 10 to 40 settings.

The fewer settings a machine has, the cheaper it is.

Stepped settings provide consistency and ease of use since you can switch between different brew methods. This makes them ideal for everyday use in diverse brewing environments.

Stepless settings suit espresso and Turkish coffee well. These methods need precise grind sizes. Even slight changes affect flavor and extraction quality.

These grinders typically cost more due to requiring more moving parts to allow for so many grind sizes.

Stepless grinders allow baristas to fine-tune the grind. This precision is key for the high pressure used in espresso machines. It’s also vital for the extremely fine grind required for Turkish coffee.

It isn’t just the number of sizes that you can choose that’ll impact your bean’s consistency. The burr type will, also. Keep reading to learn more.

Summary: Stepped grinders have fixed settings, common in coffee grinders. Stepless grinders, often found in espresso grinders, offer infinite adjustments.

3. Burr Type & Quality

With coffee grinders, you’ll pick between conical burrs and blades. Espresso grinders have the choice between conical and flat burrs.

What are burrs and blades? Here’s a summary:

• Blade Grinder: Use a spinning blade to chop coffee beans into smaller pieces, resulting in an uneven grind. Such grinds aren’t ideal for coffee because water doesn’t flow through the beans evenly.
  • Cheapest option.
• Conical Burr: A cone-shaped burr that fits into a ring-shaped burr
  • Low heat retention, quiet, and affordable, but isn’t as consistent.
• Flat Burr: 2 parallel rings with serrated edges that grind the coffee beans.
  • Produces more consistent grinds, better at separating flavors, and more expensive.

Blade coffee grinders are the most affordable of the grinder types and don’t require as much space as burr grinders. But they always produce uneven coffee grinds, making them terrible for espresso.

Espresso grinders will always use burrs.

Conical burrs are quieter than flat ones and produce less heat. That means many conical burr coffee grinders will last longer than flat ones. They’re great for folks looking for a balance between grind consistency and minimal heat impact on the beans.

Because high-heat environments in grinders can also strip your beans’ flavor and make them more bitter.

They’re also more forgiving with puck preparation. If you’re preparing an espresso puck and make a mistake, you’ll have less of a chance of experiencing espresso channeling. Flat burrs aren’t as forgiving.

They will separate flavors better, making them optimal for intermediate and expert baristas who know what they’re doing. And so long as your machine has features in place to reduce heat, or large burrs, then heat won’t damage your beans.

By the way, larger burrs produce less heat due to having a larger surface area.

Once you decide on a type of burr or blade you want in your grinder, you’ll need to select a material. Most coffee grinders will use a variation of steel burrs or blades. This material will keep the blades sharper for longer.

Some types of steel (e.g., tool steel), will result in longer-lasting burrs due to having increased hardness (45 to 65 HRC) [1]. But they’re typically overkill for home use. However, if you want a grinder that’ll last forever, go for it.

Burr grinders could also have ceramic burrs. These tend to chip easier, but they produce less heat. If you want a material that’s more durable and heat-resistant, go for titanium coating. The downside with these burrs is the coating.

It’s rare, but the coating could chip off of the burrs and get into your beans.

Most home users will want to opt for conical burrs on their coffee and espresso grinders to balance cost and flavors. Folks who want to take this hobby to an unhealthy level—in a good way—should opt for flat burrs.

While we’re optimizing espresso and coffee grinding, let’s dive into the next point. RPM.

Summary: Cheaper coffee grinders will use blades. Higher-quality coffee grinders and regular espresso grinders will use conical burrs. Higher-end espresso grinders will use flat burrs. The better the burr, the more even the grind. This makes the flavor better. 

4. Speed & Heat

Machines with more than 1,000 revolutions per minute (RPMs) will generally produce finer, more uniform grinds. Because of this, such machines are better to use when grinding for espresso and Turkish coffee.

I keep mentioning Turkish coffee. Why? Because it requires super fine grinds (200–225 µm). Whereas, optimal espresso grinds are between 20 and 40 µm [2].

Anyway.

Here’s a visual representation on what sort of RPM you’d need for different grind consistencies:

This chart doesn’t say that getting “espresso” grinds from a machine that has under 1,000 RPM is impossible. For instance, the Baratza Sette 270 has 650 RPM. However, it’ll still produce grounds fine enough for espresso.

You’d want to be anal about the RPM range if you’re an enthusiast who wants OPTIMAL consistency and flavor. The Baratza Forté AP has 1,950 RPM and provides espresso grinds that result in a much better flavor.

However, it’s much more expensive than the Sette. Thus, the higher-RPM machines will have a much higher price tag—at least more than $700.

If you’re using the machine for a coffee shop, then you cannot go under 1,000 RPM for espresso grinds. Unless you like mistreating your customers by giving them sub-par coffee.

Machines using higher RPMs will typically generate more heat. This heat will put stress on your grinder and reduce its lifespan. Unless you get a prosumer model.

These will come with built-in cooling units, like fans, to prevent your machine from sustaining damage. It’ll result in a pricier machine, but you won’t have to replace it as often.

Now that I’m done making you feel like you have to spend more money, let’s look into dosing.

Summary: Espresso grinders typically have more RPM than coffee grinders.

5. Dosing

Espresso grinders focus on precision dosing. They regularly feature doser or doserless options. 

Doser models collect ground coffee in a chamber and release it in measured doses, usually around 7 grams per pull. These suit busy coffee shops, ensuring consistency and speed. 

Doserless models grind directly into the espresso machine’s portafilter. This method is fresher and more precise, preferred by specialty café and enthusiasts. It allows for the exact measurement of each dose, which is crucial for high-quality espresso shots.

Coffee grinders, used for various brewing methods, often need more precise dosing features. 

They may have timers or scales for approximate dosing. However, the focus is less on precision and more on convenience and versatility. Users typically measure coffee by volume or weight separately.

This approach suits methods like French press or drip, where exact dosing is less critical compared to espresso.

Summary: Espresso grinders prioritize precise dosing due to espresso’s sensitivity to dose variations. Coffee grinders focus on versatility and convenience, with less emphasis on exact dosing.

6. Price

Manual coffee and espresso grinders will cost the least due to having no electricity and no features. But they produce the lowest-quality grinds.

Espresso grinders will always cost more than coffee grinders. I’ll explain in the next section.

And here are factors that’ll differentiate beginner, intermediate, prosumer, and commercial grinders:

• Brand: More reputable brands cost more for various reasons (e.g., better customer support).
• Features and Design Choices: Intermediate and prosumer machines have more features and more ergonomic designs.
  • Commercial machines have features and design choices to withstand serving hundreds of customers daily.
• Materials: Entry-level machines will use the lowest-quality materials; commercial and prosumer devices will use the highest-quality.
• Burr Type: Low-cost machines use conical burrs or blades; pricier devices will use flat burrs.

Manufacturers want to save the most money when producing entry-level or beginner machines. Thus, they’ll use whatever means possible to cut costs (allegedly). Intermediate machines are more forgiving and will include better materials.

Prosumer machines are the same as commercial machines, but for home use. They use the highest-quality parts and include features most would consider overkill.

Here’s why espresso grinders are so pricey.

Summary:  Espresso grinders cost more than coffee grinders.

Why Are Espresso Grinders so Expensive?

Here are all the factors that contribute to espresso grinders being more expensive than coffee grinders:

14% of home baristas in the USA brew espresso drinks at home [3]. 33% use drip coffee. This suggests that not as many people will use espresso grinders as they will coffee ones. Thus, manufacturers need to profit somehow.

With a smaller market, you’ll have increased prices.

Lower-end espresso grinder brands, like Niche and Eureka, will offer grinders for under $1,000. But when you start looking at grinders from brands like Mahlkönig and CEADO, you’ll see grinders more than $2,000.

Espresso grinders typically have more features to cool your machine, provide more consistent grinds, or give you diagnostics. Such features require more electronics and moving parts. Resulting in a costlier machine.

I shouldn’t need to explain why a machine with unlimited adjustments costs more than one with 10–40 settings.

And many espresso grinders will use hardened steel or ceramic burrs. These burrs add more costs to manufacturing, thus resulting in a higher-cost product.

Now that you’ve decided whether you want a coffee or espresso grinder, you’ll need to know what to consider when buying either. Keep reading to learn what criteria you should follow.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Coffee & Espresso Grinder

If you’re shopping for a coffee or espresso grinder, you’ll need to consider these factors:

The following sections will expand upon all the points above. I’ll explain factors common in each type of machine. For instance, I’ll explain what type of materials coffee grinders and espresso grinders typically use.

A lot of these points will parrot what I mentioned earlier. Thus, I’m not going to dive too deep into most of these factors (e.g., RPM).

Let’s go shopping.

1. RPM

Ideal for:

• Espresso Grinders: 1,000–3,000 RPM
• Coffee Grinders: 0–999 RPM

Higher revolutions per minute (RPM) result in finer, more consistent grinds. This improves the flavor. However, it’s still possible to achieve espresso grinds without having more than 1,000 RPM. Your grinds won’t have optimal consistency, though.

Only stress about RPM as a factor if you’re serious about the hobby and have disposable income. Because higher-RPM devices will cost much more (more than $700).

Don’t get lazy when shopping, though. Look up whether the specific grinder you’re considering is great for espresso. RPM isn’t the only answer to this question, but it’s part of the answer.

Here’s another factor that’ll determine whether your grinder’s good for espresso.

2. Conical Burr vs. Flat Burr

Ideal for:

• Espresso Grinders:
  • Beginner and Intermediate: Conical burrs
  • Advanced Users: Flat burrs
• Coffee Grinders:
  • Budget: Blade
  • Not Budget: Conical burrs

Low-cost coffee grinders will use blades instead of burrs (>$50), but the resulting drink from these aren’t that good due to doing a bad job at separating flavors. I don’t recommend blade grinders at all, since it’s possible to find conical burr grinders for under $50.

Conical burrs are a perfect middle ground for coffee and espresso grinders. They preserve bean flavor due to generating less heat, don’t require as strict of puck preparation, and do a decent job at giving you flavorful coffee.

They don’t separate flavors as well as flat burrs, though. Though, that isn’t as important of a factor unless you’re serious about brewing the “best” espresso. Since flat burrs will produce a more consistent grind.

And now that you have a burr type chosen, you’ll need to decide on your material.

Summary: Most folks will do fine with a conical burr coffee or espresso grinder. Get a flat burr espresso grinder if you have disposable income and are serious about your drinks’ flavor.

3. Burr Material

Ideal material:

• Espresso Grinder: Ceramic
• Coffee Grinder: Steel

Most folks who buy coffee grinders will just want to go with steel burrs. Ceramic burrs will generate less heat and last longer—they’ll grind 750–800 pounds versus the 500–600 pounds steel burrs grind [4].

Steel burrs also often result in uneven grinds, which is better for coffee-brewing methods like drip coffee or cold brew.

However…

Ceramic burrs cost much more and are super fragile if something like a pebble got into your beans.

This material doesn’t absorb flavors like steel does and does a better job with not heating up, but it’s rare to find an espresso grinder that uses this material. For instance, most grinders from noteworthy brands like Niche or Fiorenzato will use steel.

Summary: Most home coffee users should opt for steel burrs. It’s difficult to find ceramic burr grinders.

4. Manual vs. Electric Grinder

Manual coffee and espresso grinders cost much less than their electric counterparts (<$100). However, with less cost comes less consistency and features. Plus, they’re manual. Every time you use it, you’ll be working out your arms.

I don’t recommend manual grinders unless you’re one of these people:

• Travelers and Campers: The portability and compact size of manual grinders make them ideal for those who want to enjoy fresh coffee while traveling or camping.
• Budget-conscious Buyers: Manual grinders are more affordable, offering a lower-cost entry into the world of freshly ground coffee.
• Limited Space: Ideal for individuals with limited kitchen space or those who prefer a minimalist setup.
• Quiet Environment: Beneficial in settings where noise is a concern, such as early mornings in shared living spaces (e.g., dorms).
• You Have Time: You’ll need more time to grind your beans.
• You Live Off the Grid: You’ll need to cut your electrical usage.

These grinders only work well for folks with limited access to electricity, a lot of time on their hands, and don’t have much money. However, many knock-off brands, and even trustworthy brands, offer electric coffee grinders for under $50.

I’ve covered all the differences between coffee and espresso grinders. Let’s explore some examples.

Summary: Don’t get a manual coffee grinder unless you live in an area with limited electricity access. Or if you’re camping.

Examples of Espresso & Coffee Grinders

Based on all the differences mentioned, here are examples of coffee grinders and their espresso counterparts:

RPM doesn’t make the most significant impact on whether one would define a grinder as espresso or coffee. But it’s a factor that will impact whether you’ll have more consistent grinds.

The Niche Zero is a popular model among enthusiasts but requires “mods” or additional equipment to produce higher-quality espresso. It costs around the same as the Mahlkönig X54, but doesn’t include a flat burr. You’d need to get the flat burr mod.

Almost all the espresso grinders on this list have stepless settings, except for the Sette. Baratza’s grinder can technically produce espresso grinds all these machines can.

However, it won’t match the quality you’d get from the Zero or X54.

The Niche Zero and the Mahlkönig X54 are the most expensive on this list—more than $500. But they’ll produce the highest-quality espresso grinds (for home brewing). Meanwhile, these machines will also do a good job producing coarse grinds.

Though, you may notice more fine grounds in your coarse grounds when grinding. The espresso grinders could also grind coffee, but it’s not optimal.

You’ll also need additional accessories and devices to optimize your home espresso or coffee brewing. Keep reading to see what I mean.

What Else You’ll Need for Your Home Espresso Bar

You may have read this guide because you don’t know whether you want a coffee or espresso grinder. However, if you’re trying to set up a coffee or espresso area in your home, you’ll need other accessories and devices like:

I list a ton of other items you’ll need for home espresso and coffee bars in a separate post. And if you’re a business, I have a checklist to also help get you started.

This list is to help ensure you don’t forget anything when setting up your coffee- or espresso-brewing area.

Otherwise, that’s it for all the differences between coffee and espresso grinders. If you still have questions, check out the next section for frequently asked questions.

FAQs for Espresso & Coffee Grinder

Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about the differences between coffee and espresso grinders.

Can You Use a Regular Coffee Grinder for Espresso?

Yes, you can use a regular coffee grinder for espresso. However, it’s challenging to achieve the fine, consistent grind needed for espresso. For optimal results, a dedicated espresso grinder is preferable.

Do You Really Need an Espresso Grinder?

You should get an espresso grinder if you have the extra money because it’ll result in better-tasting espresso drinks.

Conclusion

Coffee grinders typically have limited settings and are better used for brewing methods that require coarse grinds. Espresso grinders have unlimited settings, which makes them optimal for producing fine grinds.

Now that you know the differences, you’ll need to find a grinder. We have separate guides that recommend the best coffee and espresso grinders. Check them out.

It doesn’t. However, you’ll need to pit it against other portafilter types to determine what portafilter you should use.

I’ll explain why portafilters have 2 spouts (in-depth). Then I’ll compare dual-spout portafilters to their counterparts. And finally, I’ll explain whether having 2 spouts impacts flavor and why.

Here is an overview:

Keep reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• Espresso machines have 2 spouts to brew 2 shots at once.
• You can still brew single shots with 2 spouts, you’ll need a bigger cup.
• Single-spout portafilters are only useful for folks who use small espresso glasses.
• Bottomless portafilters are only good for diagnosing.
• Most of the time, you’ll want to stick with a portafilter with 2 spouts.

Why Do Espresso Machines Have 2 Spouts?

Espresso machines often have 2 spouts for serving speed and consistency. This design allows baristas to make 2 drinks simultaneously.

Two spouts in espresso machines split the flow evenly from one basket. This results in identical shots, offering consistent strength and flavor. It ensures each cup matches in quality, which is crucial for customer satisfaction.

The espresso flowing from both sides of the spout comes from the same basket and doesn’t affect the crema and taste of your resulting drink.

Commercial (business) espresso machines almost always include portafilters with 2 spouts. Most espresso machines for home use will include single- or double spout portafilters. 

Why should you use a dual-spout portafilter over its counterparts? Keep reading to learn why.

Why Should You Use a Double Spout Portafilter?

Its design, capable of pulling 2 espresso shots simultaneously, is great in busy environments like a café, where serving multiple customers quickly is key. That’s critical for delivering multiple drinks to guests quickly.

You also don’t sacrifice quality despite using multiple spouts.

Moreover, the double spout design inherently minimizes mess. Unlike bottomless portafilters, which can be prone to splashing and require precise technique. The directed flow of espresso into the cup from a double spout portafilter keeps the workspace cleaner and more manageable. 

This design choice is crucial in fast-paced settings where cleanliness and quick turnarounds are essential. Because you don’t want your baristas to waste their time cleaning messes caused by splashing from bottomless portafilters.

The versatility of a double spout portafilter also contributes to its appeal. It can cater to single or double servings. It’s a flexible tool for a variety of drink preparations. So long as you use the right portafilter basket.

You’ll need a single-shot basket that holds 8–10 grams of coffee for single shots. Then, a double shot basket, which holds 16–22 grams, is used for double shots.

I almost forgot about home users.

It’s less useful for home users unless you frequently drink doppio (double shots). If you do, using them at home has all the same benefits. Because you don’t want to waste time cleaning.

All portafilters have their purposes, though. I’ll compare them in the next section.

Summary: Use double spout portafilters if you brew more than 1 shot of espresso for any reason. But ensure you also use double shot baskets.

Portafilter Variations

The following sections will talk about these portafilters:

I’ll compare the differences, along with the pros and cons of all the variations below.

There are also triple-shot portafilter baskets, but those aren’t common. And they’re only practical for people who frequently brew 3 shots at a time.

Let’s keep moving.

1. Bottomless Portafilters Explained

Summarized benefits:

• Extraction Diagnosis: Shows the entire extraction process. Identifies issues like channeling or uneven tamping.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a visually appealing extraction process. Attracts customers and coffee enthusiasts.

A bottomless portafilter, also known as a naked portafilter, has no bottom or spouts. It lets espresso flow directly from the basket to the cup.

This design allows baristas to observe the espresso shot as it brews, providing immediate feedback on extraction quality. It reveals issues like channeling or uneven tamping.

A 2-spout portafilter, in contrast, directs espresso through 2 spouts. This is common in traditional espresso machines. It’s designed for splitting a shot into 2 cups simultaneously. The spouts prevent direct observation of the extraction process.

The difference lies in visibility and feedback. Bottomless portafilters aid in honing barista skills, while 2-spout portafilters focus on serving efficiency.

Double Spout Portafilter vs. Bottomless Portafilter

Best for:

• Double Spout: Folks who drink double shots frequently or coffee houses
• Bottomless: Troubleshooting and training

Bottomless portafilters are messier than double spout ones due to not having a spout to direct the flow of coffee. However, they’re better for troubleshooting your shots to prevent espresso channeling.

They also (supposedly) do/have the following:

• Retain less heat: Less metal for the machine to heat up.
  • It’ll cool off quicker when finished brewing.
• More even extraction: Some baristas claim that it’ll result in a more consistent extraction.

Double spout portafilters are cheaper than their naked counterparts and easier to clean.

And that’s where the main differences end. Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of bottomless (naked) portafilters.

Pros & Cons of Bottomless Portafilters

Pros:

• Diagnostic Tool: Reveals extraction quality, showing issues like channeling.
• Educational Value: Assists in improving tamping and grinding skills.
• Visual Appeal: Provides a captivating extraction view for customers.

Bottomless portafilters are great for diagnosing espresso shots and have educational value due to giving you a glance at how your shot is extracted. You’ll need to watch for areas where there’s no espresso coming through to diagnose espresso channeling.

An issue that’ll lead to under- and over-extracted (weak and sour) coffee. This type of portafilter helps you identify where there are uneven grinds in your puck to help you improve your tamping technique.

If you don’t like the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) version, you can upgrade to an IMS or VST precision basket to further improve your shots.

It’s also pretty to watch, which is great for espresso enthusiasts who find themselves mesmerized by flowing espresso.

Cons:

• Mess Potential: Incorrect use can lead to splashing and mess.
• Skill Requirement: Demands more barista skill for consistent results.
• Limited to Single Shot: Cannot simultaneously produce multiple shots.

These portafilters aren’t ideal for brewing double shots since the espresso comes from one area. And when it flows, it’ll likely splash on you and your countertop when brewing.

It also requires some skill to use. Because you’ll need to know how to diagnose espresso channeling. Considering you’ve read this section, you’re likely patient enough to develop the skill to use this portafilter.

If not, the next portafilter is probably up your alley.

2. Single Spout Portafilters Explained

Summary:

• Single Spout: Directs espresso into a single cup.
• Easier to Clean: With fewer parts, the portafilter is easier to clean.

A single-spout portafilter in an espresso machine directs espresso into one cup. It’s different from a 2-spout portafilter, which splits the flow for 2 cups simultaneously.

Using a single spout is more efficient for individual servings. It reduces the complexity of the brewing process and offers precise control over each shot.

Additionally, with fewer components than a 2-spout, it simplifies cleaning and maintenance. This makes it a popular choice for baristas focusing on single, high-quality espresso shots.

Dual-Spout Portafilter vs. Single-Spout Portafilter

Best for:

• Dual-spout: Businesses and home baristas who frequently brew more than 1 shot.
• Single-spout: Serving single shots.

Single-spout portafilters are portafilters that have one less spout. They’re better because they’re easier to clean because of this design.

Why would you need a single-spout portafilter?

If you don’t mind using wide coffee mugs to catch the espresso flowing from both sides of a dual-spout, you may as well stick with a double spout. However, if you want to serve it in small espresso glasses, then a single-spout is useful.

I don’t know what else to tell you other than to read the pros and cons.

Pros & Cons of Single-Spout Portafilters

Pros:

• Reduced Waste: Saves coffee when one shot is needed.
• Consistent Extraction: Offers uniform extraction for a single shot.

As the name says, it’s a single-spout portafilter that ensures uniform extraction since espresso is flowing from a single spout. There aren’t any significant differences from their double spouted counterparts, otherwise.

Cons:

• Slower for Multiple Orders: Not suited for quick multiple servings.
• Less Diagnostic: Doesn’t reveal extraction issues like a bottomless portafilter.
• Limited Visual Appeal: Lacks the visual flair of bottomless portafilters.

Single-spout portafilters cannot diagnose issues with shots like bottomless portafilters, and they’re not good for serving multiple shots simultaneously. They also aren’t aesthetically pleasing to watch like bottomless portafilters.

No portafilter type is good for every purpose. If you’re serious about making espresso, you’ll need a bottomless portafilter until you master your tamping technique. Afterward, you’ll need to choose between a single- or double spout.

Your choice depends on how many espresso shots you frequently brew. Even if you seldom brew double shots, I recommend a double spout.

Because having 2 spouts doesn’t affect your taste and crema. Keep reading to learn why.

2 Spout Portafilter Impact on Espresso Flavor

The flavor of coffee from a double spout portafilter compared to a single-spout portafilter remains consistent, with no impact on the taste [1]. The design of the spout—double or single—influences the direction and division of the espresso flow, not the extraction process itself.

Here’s why the flavor remains unaffected:

• Extraction Process: The quality and flavor of espresso are determined by the extraction process in the basket; double and single-spout portafilters use the same basket for extraction.
• Even Distribution: So long as the extraction is even and properly executed, there should be no difference in the flavor of the coffee from each spout.
• Crema Quality: The spouts do not alter the crema significantly as long as the espresso is properly extracted.

The choice between a double and single-spout portafilter is more about functionality and preference rather than a difference in flavor.

Summary: Having 2 spouts on an espresso machine portafilter doesn’t affect flavor or crema.

FAQs for Espresso Machines With 2 Spouts

Read on to find frequently asked questions about espresso machines with 2 spouts.

Why Do Espresso Machines Have 2 Steam Wands?

Espresso machines have 2 steam wands to simultaneously steam milk for multiple drinks, increasing efficiency in high-volume settings. This feature allows baristas to cater to a larger number of customers more quickly.

Conclusion

Portafilters on espresso machines typically have 2 spouts because it allows them to brew 2 shots at once. That’s ideal for businesses and people who drink multiple espresso shots daily. It’ll still work for brewing single shots, though.

Learn more about how espresso machines work by checking out our espresso machine parts guide.

Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:

Without further ado, let’s get this show on the road.

Key Takeaways

• It should take you 15–30 minutes to clean your grinder.
• Clean your grinder weekly or biweekly as a home user.
• Clean the grinder daily if you’re a business owner.
• Clean the grinder if switching bean type/blend, if it has decreased performance, a change in coffee taste, or unusual noises.
• You’ll need a vacuum, brush, flat head screwdriver, grinder cleaner, and a damp cloth.
• Remove components to access your grinder’s insides; the parts removed will vary by grinder.

How to Clean a Mahlkönig Grinder

This section will tell you how to clean most Mahlkönig grinder models. I’ll follow up with additional sections that’ll explain how to clean other models if there are differences in the way to clean them.

Time required: 15–30 minutes

What you’ll need:

• Vacuum cleaner or air blowing tool (not compressed air)
• Soft bristle brush: Toothbrush, paint brush, makeup brush, or burr cleaning brush
• Flat head screwdriver
• Paper towel
• Damp microfiber cloth: Avoid regular cloths to prevent lint from getting in or on your grinder
• Grinder cleaner: I recommend Urnex Grindz grinder cleaning tablets

Steps to clean Mahlkönig grinder:

1. Grind any leftover coffee in the chamber.
2. Turn off and unplug the grinder.
3. Unscrew and remove the hopper.
   1. Transfer existing beans inside the hopper to a separate bag.
4. Add a hopper again if you use grinder cleaning tablets.
5. Add 35–40 grams of grinder cleaning tablets to the hopper and run a grinding cycle.
   1. Unscrew and remove the hopper again.
6. Use a flat head screwdriver to unscrew the top plate.
   1. Press pins inside the top plate to unlock it.
   2. Remove the top plate and set aside.
7. Vacuum and brush internal plate to remove coffee dust.
8. Remove declumper and clean with damp cloth.
   1. Dry well before reinstalling it.
9. Return parts to the grinder
   1. Place the top plate to the grinder and screw it into place.
   2. Return hopper to the grinder.

From there, you’ll want to remove the grinder dispenser outlet and clean it with a damp cloth. Once you’re finished cleaning, ensure you dry it thoroughly. Otherwise, you risk moisture damaging your coffee grounds later.

1. How to Clean a Mahlkönig k30 Grinder

You’ll need the same items as for cleaning any other Mahlkönig grinder. Except for a hex key. However, there are some different steps you’ll need to follow when cleaning the Mahlkönig K30.

Here are the steps:

1. Close the hopper cut-off slide to prevent beans from leaking when removing the hopper.
2. Loosen the screw below the hopper to unlock the hopper, then remove the hopper.
   1. Empty the beans inside the hopper into a separate bag.
3. Vacuum remaining beans in the chamber.
4. Remove the top plate
   1. Use a flat head screwdriver to undo the screws on the side of the top plate.
   2. Rotate the top plate counter-clockwise to remove it.
   3. Use a hex key inside the neck of the top plate.
   4. Lift off the top plate.
5. Remove top grinder plate
   1. Use a flat head screwdriver to undo all screws on the brass plate.
   2. Lift out the top grinder plate.
6. Vacuum and brush the grinding disk.
7. Clear any debris from the exit spout: Use a sharp, pointed object if needed.
8. Return all parts to your grinder.
   1. Ensure you properly align the top grinder plate when returning it.
   2. When returning the hopper, don’t forget to undo the cut-off slide.

Those were all the differences with cleaning the K30. Let’s move onto the next grinder.

2. How to Clean a Mahlkönig Guatemala Grinder

There’s nothing different that you’ll need to clean the Guatemala. Just follow these steps:

1. Remove grinder housing:
   1. Set the grinder to the coarsest setting.
   2. Use a flat head screwdriver to undo screws around the grinder housing cover.
   3. Remove the cover.
2. Clean the inside of the cover:
   1. Remove the adapter housing plate.
   2. Unscrew adjustment cap with flat head screwdriver.
   3. Twist adjustment spindle counterclockwise to remove it.
   4. Push out ball bearing and ball bearing seat.
   5. Wipe down all surfaces with a dry cloth.
   6. Lubricate all components.
3. Cleaning the grinding chamber:
   1. Remove the prebreaker
   2. Remove any residue using a brush or cloth.
   3. Vacuum inside your machine.
   4. Lubricate rotary parts if needed.
4. Reinstall all parts to your grinder.

This tutorial is a bit more complex. If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a video from Mahlkönig:

If you’re using the industrial Mahlkönig models, here’s a section dedicated to you.

3. How to Clean a Mahlkönig DK27 Industrial Grinder

Follow these steps to clean the Mahlkönig DK27 industrial grinder [1]:

1. Twist the rotary knob to “coarse.”
2. Unscrew the screws on the grinder case cover and remove the cover.
3. Remove the pre-crusher from the motor shaft.
4. Use a clean brush to clean debris and remove other objects and debris from the grinding mechanism.
5. Lubricate the shaft with non-corrosive grease.
6. Re-insert parts.

If you need a visual on how to clean this grinder, follow the link I placed before the list of steps. The manual in this link has a picture of the order to remove parts.

No matter the type of grinder used, you’ll need to clean your device’s surface. Keep reading to learn how.

How to Clean the Exterior of Your Mahlkönig Grinder

Gently wipe the surface of your grinder with a sponge or damp cloth coated with mild dish soap to remove dirt and stains. Don’t use any other type of dish soap because the chemicals in them may damage your grinder’s finish.

Once you’re finished cleaning, dry your grinder’s exterior with a microfiber cloth.

You’ll also need to deep clean your grinder’s hopper.

How to Clean a Mahlkönig Grinder Hopper

First, remove your grinder’s hopper and empty the beans into a separate bag. Then apply mild dish soap to a damp cloth and clean off the residue or coffee oils from the inside and outside your hopper.

If you’re also cleaning the grounds bin, follow the same steps in the previous paragraph.

You might wonder how often you should clean your grinder. I have the answer.

How Often Should I Clean a Mahlkönig Grinder?

Clean your Mahlkönig grinder daily if using it for a business—the size of business doesn’t matter. Home users should clean it once a week (or biweekly) or when switching to a different type of coffee bean.

You should clean your machine when switching coffee beans to avoid cross contaminating bean flavors. Or if you notice one of the following issues:

• Change of taste with beans.
• Unusual vibrations or noises with your grinder.
• Decreased performance.

Why should you clean your grinder at all? There’s a good reason.

Mahlkönig Grinder Cleaning Tips

Here’s what you shouldn’t do when cleaning your Mahlkönig grinder [2]:

• Use rice: It could damage your burrs.
• Use water: Could lead to burr rusting.
• Use abrasive cleaners: Will damage your grinder’s coating.
• Use an air compressor: Potentially frosty air could blow out and damage the grinder.
• Place bean hopper into the dishwasher: Could cause discoloration.

And here are some tips and tidbits to know when cleaning your grinder:

• You can use grinder cleaning tablets on all Mahlkönig models.
• If you accidentally get your burrs wet, unplug your machine and let them dry before using it.
• You’ll likely need to calibrate your grinder again after cleaning it. Follow your manufacturer’s manual to do so.
• You’ll need to realign your burrs if you notice inconsistent grind particle sizes; refer to your manual.
• If you notice issues with your grinder after cleaning it, contact Mahlkönig’s customer service
  • Phone number: 206 385 2051
  • Contact form
  • Email: shop@mahlkoenig.us

Don’t skip cleaning your grinder. Otherwise, you might damage your grinder. Let me explain.

Why Should I Keep My Mahlkönig Grinder Clean?

Residue buildup can muddle flavors and disrupt grind consistency, leaving you with disappointing brews. Regular cleaning ensures crisp, nuanced flavors in every cup thanks to precise, even grinds.

But it’s not just about taste. Cleaning extends your grinder’s lifespan by preventing wear and tear. Less residue means no rust or blockages, keeping your Mahlkönig purring smoothly for years to come. Plus, regular care makes deep cleaning sessions a breeze, saving you time and effort.

I mentioned that you should use grinder cleaning tablets. While it adds more costs to maintenance, they’re worth getting. Here’s why.

Why You Should Use Grinder Cleaning Tablets

Here’s why you should use grinder cleaning tablets whenever cleaning your Mahlkönig grinder:

• No disassembling required: Clean your grinder without taking it apart.
  • Also eliminates the need for recalibration.
• They’re food safe: Don’t need to worry about chemicals leaching into coffee.
• Thorough cleaning: Removes oils and coffee residue from coffee grinders.
• Prevents flavor transfer: Ensures you won’t mix flavors from different coffee beans and blends.

Coffee grinder cleaning tablets are formulated agents designed to effectively remove coffee residue and oils from grinder burrs and internal components. They contain non-toxic, food-safe ingredients that break down oils and dissolve residue upon grinding.

You’d use these whenever you clean your grinder. Businesses would use them daily. While folks at home would use them weekly or biweekly.

That’s all there is to cleaning Mahlkönig grinders. Thanks for reading.

Conclusion

Most Mahlkönig grinders will require the same steps to clean. You remove the top plate, then vacuum and brush clean the insides. Afterward, you’ll want to clean the hopper and components. Do this weekly or biweekly as a home user, and daily if you’re a business.

Do you need more general information on how to clean coffee grinders? Check out our in-depth guide.

You’ll find the following sections in this post:

Get ready for “shocking” information.

Key Takeaways

• Coffee bean friction creates pesky electric cling, making grounds fly free.
• 1–2% of your coffee bean’s weight will stick to your grinder as a result of static.
• Beans with more moisture (e.g., light roasts) produce less static than dark.
• Finer coffee grinds produce more static than coarser settings.
• Spritzing a fine mist on coffee beans is one of the best ways to reduce moisture.
• Static, itself, doesn’t affect coffee bean taste.

What Is Coffee Grinder Static?

Coffee grinder static is caused by the build-up of static electricity when coffee beans are ground against the grinder’s burrs in a dry, low-humidity environment. “Static” is the result of positive (protons) and negative (electrons) charges in or between objects.

Such charges in an object can lead to an imbalance, leading to static, which’ll bind to the surface of your coffee grinder’s catch bin. This static causes 1–2% of your coffee grounds weight to cling to the grinder and fly around, creating a mess.

Let’s learn how to reduce static.

Summary: Static in a coffee grinder is the result of a buildup of electricity when coffee beans grind against burrs in a low-humidity environment. Beans with more moisture generate less static than drier ones.

How to Reduce Static in a Coffee Grinder?

Here are all the different methods you can try to reduce static in your coffee grinder:

• Grind into a metal container: It doesn’t insulate electricity like plastic.
• RDT: Spray beans with a fine-mist.
• Wait for static to dissipate: Wait 3–5 minutes for static to dissipate.
• Maintain your grinder: Clean and properly store it.
• Use ESE pods or Nespresso: Skip grinding all-together.

None of these tips will eliminate static. They may reduce it. As there’s no way to remove static from your grinder entirely.

Some sources suggest adding cinnamon to your grinder to reduce static. Don’t do this. It’s untested and could ruin your grinder. And for the love of all things holy, DON’T wipe your grinder hopper with a dryer sheet.

The following sections will expand on the points above. I’ll explain why each method could work, how to do it, and what you’ll need.

1. Grind Into a Metal Container

Use a smooth metal container to grind your beans into instead of a plastic one. Plastic insulates electricity, which means it will cause more static. However, metal is a conductor, which’ll allow electrons to move between objects.

There isn’t much else to explain here. Forward.

2. Use the Ross Droplet Technique (Add Water)

What you’ll need:

• Small spray bottle
• Distilled water

Drip a spoon in water—it doesn’t matter what type of water—then stir your coffee beans with it. Or place the spoon under running water. Alternatively, fill a small spray bottle with distilled water and gently spray your beans with a fine mist.

This is called the Ross Droplet Technique.

You must use a fine mist spray to avoid soaking your beans and ruining your grinder.

I recommend using a glass spray bottle (if possible) to avoid chemicals from plastic ones from seeping into your water. And use distilled water to minimize bacteria buildup in your water. This type of water will also help prevent limescale buildup inside your spray tube.

The Ross Droplet Technique (RDT) reduces the static charge in the coffee beans during grinding. The added moisture from the water droplets helps to neutralize the static charge, making the grinding process cleaner and more efficient.

A dude named John Ermacoff supposedly invented this technique, according to coffee expert James Hoffmann—who I found this technique through.

Here’s a video of him explaining this method in-depth:

Let’s move onto another technique.

3. Wait for Static to Dissipate

Wait 3 to 5 minutes for the static charges to dissipate. From there, you’d pat your coffee grinder and watch the clinged-on coffee grinds fall off.

This method doesn’t work as well on finer grinds. Because tests have shown that beans ground at a coarse setting had less static charge than those used at fine. That means finer grounds are more likely to stick to your device.

But, it’s a method to try.

4. Perform Regular Maintenance

A dirty coffee grinder can lead to increased static. Because the buildup of coffee oils and residue can create an insulating layer that prevents the static charge from dissipating. This can cause the static charge to build up and cling to the grinder’s components.

To prevent a buildup of oils and residue, clean your coffee grinder once every 2 weeks [1]. And clean your hopper whenever you switch coffee beans. Cleaning your hopper often prevents cross-contaminating your beans.

How do you clean your grinder, though? Use grinder tablets to get all the big stuff, then disassemble your grinder to access the burr chamber and use a brush to clean out any residual debris.

You’ll also want to wipe the exterior of your machine with a microfiber cloth. Use this type of cloth to prevent lint from getting on your device.

To clean the hopper, you’ll need to clean it with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap when doing this. If you use dark roasts, I recommend using deeper-cleaning products like Urnex to strip the oils. Because dark roasts have more oil than light.

Here’s a good video I found on cleaning hoppers with Urnex spray:

And you don’t want to mix those oils with other bean types. The resulting mixture won’t taste good.

Then you’ll need to make sure you store your grinder properly to prevent static buildup. Keep it in a cool, dry place that doesn’t have exposure to dust or other debris. For instance, inside a cabinet.

If you’ve given up on maintaining your grinder, I have an alternative.

5. Use ESE Pods or Nespresso

Skip grinding entirely by swapping to ESE or Nespresso pods. It’s likely not the solution you’re looking for. But if you’re tired of constantly cleaning your grinder, it’s probably time to consider grinder-less ways to get fresh coffee.

Nespresso’s machines are affordable and will give you an espresso-like budget. If you want to keep your traditional espresso, try Easy Serving Espresso (ESE). They’re teabag-like pods that contain pre-ground coffee.

However, you’ll need a portafilter that supports ESE pods to use them.

Let’s learn about the causes of grinder static.

Causes Coffee Grinder Static

Coffee grinder static is caused by the friction between coffee beans and the grinder’s burrs. This leads to the transfer of electrons and the creation of a charge imbalance, resulting in static electricity.

This static charge causes the coffee grounds to repel and cling to the grinder’s components, leading to a messy countertop and affecting the consistency of the coffee grounds.

The dry, low-humidity environment within the grinder contributes to static buildup. That doesn’t mean you should add much water to your grinder. Otherwise, you’ll damage it.

Refer to the Ross Droplet Technique under the “Solutions” section if you haven’t already checked it out.

Coffee beans with a lower internal moisture produce more static charges. For instance, darker roasts make more charges due to being drier than light roasts.

If you live in a dry area, you’ll notice more static than folks who live in high-humid places. That’s because the dry air makes more beans stick to your grinder.

Do coffee beans and grind consistencies impact the amount of static charge in your grinder? Yes.

Here are some shocking facts [2]:

• Light beans have less static; dark beans have more: Because dark roasts are drier.
• Finer grind settings result in more static: Static charges are stronger with fine grinds.
• Faster grinding speeds increase charge buildup: The higher the RPM your machine has, the more likely grinds are to stick to your grinder.
• Stale (old) beans produce more static than fresh beans: Because they sit out for a long time, they typically pick up a lot of moisture.
• Burr material doesn’t have an effect on static charge: It doesn’t matter whether you use steel or ceramic.
• Burr shape doesn’t affect static: It doesn’t matter whether you use conical or flat burrs.
• Burr versus blade grinders doesn’t affect static: Though, you’ll want to choose burr over blade grinders for a million other reasons.

And let’s learn whether static affects coffee grounds.

Summary: Causes of coffee grinder static include living in dry environments, using coffee beans without much moisture, and the dry(ness) of your coffee grinder’s innards.

How Does Static Affect Coffee Grounds?

Static affects coffee grounds by allowing them to fling across your work area when removing the grounds bin. Messiness in itself won’t affect your coffee’s taste, but having unaccounted for coffee beans could.

Because let’s say that you measured your beans pre-grinding. You grind the beans, then 1–2% of the beans cling to your grinder [3]. The lack of coffee weight will affect your resulting beverage’s quality and taste.

Beginners—and intermediate—baristas and hobbyists may not notice this difference. But those with refined palates, and experts, will. Plus, if you’re trying to optimize your coffee-making process, static in your grinder hinders that ability.

Is there a shortcut to all the methods of reducing static that I listed? Can you find a grinder that’ll eliminate static, entirely?

Summary: Static will affect ground coffee’s taste due to beans sticking to the grounds bin and ruining your coffee weight. Resulting in minor changes in taste and quality.

Are There Any Anti-Static Coffee Grinders?

There’s no such thing as a grinder that removes static entirely. Grinders that you find that claim they’re anti-static are allegedly falsely advertising.

You could try to find grinders that have metal grind collection bins. Though, I haven’t found any. Or you could find a grinder that has a lid on the collection bin. The lid will prevent grounds from flying everywhere due to static. Reducing the coffee weight loss.

Coffee grinder manufacturers have done what they can to reduce static. But it seems like we’re not onto a solution that eliminates static entirely.

I hope this doomer of a guide helped you with reducing your static.

Conclusion

You can’t remove static charges from coffee grinders entirely, but you can reduce it by spritzing a fine mist on your coffee grounds before grinding. Waiting for several minutes also helps when using coarse grind settings.

Do you need to find a new grinder? Check out our grinder buying guide.

Throughout this guide, I’ll discuss essential devices, accessories, and other items that’ll help you optimize your coffee-making. I’ll also cover buying guides when applicable.

Let’s set up your coffee bar.

Key Takeaways

• An espresso machine, grinder, tamper, and coffee beans are essential for a basic espresso bar.
• An average espresso bar could cost between $300–$3,000 to set up.
• You’ll need to pay up to $2,000 a year for coffee beans, sweeteners, and machine maintenance.
• Setting up a high-end coffee bar could save you up to $8,653 over 5 years

Home Espresso & Coffee Bar Checklist

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

You’ll find each device/accessory price, what to consider when buying, and why they’re important to consider. If there’s other information you should know, I’ll explain it in different subheadings.

Otherwise, let’s dive in.

1. Espresso Machine

You can’t have an espresso bar without an espresso machine. The machine you’ll get depends on your budget, how far you are into espresso-making, and what features you want.

I’ll talk more about these factors in the next section.

You may want some help thinking about a new espresso machine. I can help. We’ve reviewed probably around a hundred espresso machines and built recommendations in the following categories:

Many espresso enthusiasts and armchair experts believe that Nespresso isn’t espresso. By some definitions, it actually isn’t. But many folks may not notice a difference in taste. Hence, why I recommended it.

You probably looked at the “Expert Level” pricing and wondered why these machines are so expensive.

We go into that in a separate guide. In short, they’re pricey because they target a niche market, typically use high-quality materials, and have complex moving parts (e.g., group head).

Let’s expand on some factors that’ll impact your machine’s price.

1. Factors to Consider When Buying a Home Espresso Machine

Consider these factors when shopping for an espresso machine to use at home:

I’m summarizing each of the factors. You’ll need to visit their respective posts to find more details.

Water boilers are responsible for heating your water for espresso and the steam for frothing milk. However, different heating methods will affect the heating time, quality, and machine price:

• Single boiler: Cheapest and has lowest-quality heating.
• Thermoblock: Pretty cheap, heats quickly, but can’t heat the milk frother and coffee simultaneously.
• Single boiler with heat exchanger: More expensive, but better results.
• Dual boiler: Way more expensive, but can heat coffee and steamer at the same time.
• Dual boiler with PID controller: Most expensive and efficient (prosumer).

Whatever water heating method you choose depends on your budget and requirements. Most entry-level machines will have a single boiler or thermoblock. Higher-end machines will include heat exchangers. And prosumer devices will use a PID controller.

Group heads are responsible for blasting espresso through your portafilter. Higher-quality group heads—E61, electrically heated, and saturated—result in a higher-cost machine. However, they offer more precision and consistency with brewing.

Water pumps cycle water through your machine. Non-prosumer machines will use vibratory pumps, they’re louder, but smaller. Which’ll allow you to fit an espresso machine in tighter spaces.

Higher-end machines will include rotary vane pumps. They’re larger and quieter.

Price is an obvious factor. The quality of parts and brand will affect it the most. For instance, machines from Simonelli Nuova will cost more because of the brand name and use of higher-quality parts than machines from Breville.

Pre-infusion is a great feature to look out for since it’ll help improve espresso extraction by applying low amounts of pressure to your coffee. PID is a nice feature, but it is only practical on machines with dual boilers.

Since you’d be micromanaging the temperatures of the steam and water simultaneously. Doing so separately (like in single boilers), will lead to temperature fluctuations.

I’ll talk about the differences in machine types in a couple of sections.

Boiler type, materials used for piping—e.g., copper over Teflon tubing—, group head insulation, and other factors will impact how your machine handles heat. Better thermal stability leads to more consistent drinks.

Cheaper machines typically have a plastic housing, but may not withstand wear as well as machines made of stainless steel.

Warranties will provide buyer protection in case the manufacturer messed up with quality control. Ensure you read the warranty stipulations before purchasing to see how much protection you have.

Plumbed-in espresso makers connect directly to your home’s plumbing. They eliminate the need to constantly refill your water reservoir and allow you to have the freshest water possible. These machines usually cost thousands, though.

Let’s explore popular brands that sell espresso machines.

2. Home Espresso Machine Brands

Here are some of the more popular brands that offer high-quality espresso machines for home use:

Not all these machines are high-quality. For instance, Cuisinart and Mr. Coffee offer entry-level espresso machines. Meanwhile, Nuova Simonelli provides prosumer/high-end devices.

And Ninja mostly offers combination machines. These machines brew espresso and coffee. Do they provide good-tasting drinks? Not compared to machines from brands like ECM. However, they’ll give you more flexibility with coffee.

Stick to buying from reputable brands. They’ll have the most reliable machines—in most cases. Don’t buy from brands on Amazon with weird-sounding brand names. These devices, in most cases, allegedly don’t last long due to using manufacturing practices to lower prices.

For instance, using cheap materials (e.g., thin plastic).

What if you want to access high-end machines without paying a fortune? I have a solution.

3. Used vs. New vs. Refurbished Home Espresso Makers

Who should do it:

• Used: Folks ready to score high-end brands for less, ready to roll up their sleeves for repairs.
• Refurbished: Top-notch performance without sticker shock, warranty safety net included.
• New: People who are ready to brew right away; no tinkering or troubleshooting.

Folks with technical knowledge of espresso machines and the desire to save a lot of money should opt for used machines. Those who want more trustworthy machines without buyer protection (long warranties) should consider refurbished.

Otherwise, you’ll need a high budget for espresso-making to get high-quality machines with adequate buyer protection.

We have a separate guide that goes further in-depth with choosing among these buying routes.

You’ll need technical knowledge when buying a used machine due to running into buyers who did who knows what with the device in question. You must inspect it for issues (e.g., limescale) to ensure you’re not getting ripped off.

It’s much easier to buy refurbished machines since the store selling them SHOULD HAVE repaired, cleaned, and tested them. However, you must research whether the store has certified technicians and such.

You also get a warranty, unlike with used machines. But the warranty period isn’t as long as with new ones.

New machines give you the most buying options, since you’re not at the mercy of resellers regarding variety. They also give you the most buyer protection and the lowest chance of unknown issues.

What type of espresso machine should you get, though? Let’s compare.

4. Types of Espresso Machines

Here are all the types of espresso machines to consider:

Manual espresso machines require your input at every step and are only viable for enthusiasts who have patience and want absolute control over their drink. These machines typically cost less and are more durable due to a lack of moving parts and electronics.

Many beginners and experts will use semi-automatic machines due to balancing automation and control. They’ll automate water temperature regulation and pressure, resulting in consistent drinks.

Super-automatic machines perform all the steps for you. That’s nice if you want quick, authentic espresso without having to grind your beans and tamp them. Along with all the other steps with espresso-making.

These machines cost a lot, though. If you’re not serious about espresso-making yet want espresso, consider a Nespresso machine. They’ll provide a beverage that fits under many definitions as “espresso.”

You’ll need a coffee grinder if you don’t get a fully-automatic machine or a Nespresso.

2. Coffee Bean Grinder

Unless you have a built-in grinder, ESE pods, or Nespresso capsules, you’ll need a way to grind your coffee beans. Or you could buy them pre-ground, or grind them at the grocery store. But you won’t have fresh coffee beans.

Because, for the freshest coffee, you should grind your beans immediately before brewing. Pre-ground coffee loses its aroma and flavor rapidly, often within minutes of grinding.

Are you still going to buy a grinder?

You’ll need to choose between an automatic and a manual grinder. The former results in more consistent grinds and doesn’t require a workout. But they’re much pricier.

The latter is better for portability, for example, if you’re camping or traveling.

Here are other things to think about when buying a grinder.

1. Factors to Consider When Buying a Home coffee Grinder

Use this criteria to help you when shopping for a coffee grinder for home use:

Burr grinders cost more than blade ones but have much better results.

Why?

These use two abrasive surfaces (typically metal or ceramic burrs) to crush and shear coffee beans into uniform-sized particles. This precise control over the grinding process minimizes dust and inconsistency.

Blade grinders usually have limited or no grind size adjustment. Leading to one-size-fits-all results that may not be ideal for any specific brewing method.

Let’s say you want a burr grinder. You’ll need to choose between conical or flat burrs. The latter is better for flavor separation but requires more preparation due to being less forgiving of bad puck preparation.

Conical burrs don’t separate flavors as well and are more forgiving with puck preparation.

Here are some of the most common burr materials you’ll find:

Many brands may offer “special” or “tool” steel. These materials aren’t marketing gimmicks because they result in longer-lasting burrs than regular stainless steel. But they’ll lead to higher-cost devices.

The bigger the burr, the quicker it’ll grind, the less retention you’ll have, and the less heat it’ll generate. That’s due to the burr having a larger surface area. Home grinders will typically have burrs that are 64 mm or smaller.

The higher the revolutions per minute (RPM) your machine has, the finer the grounds it’ll produce. That’ll make machines with higher RPMs better for brewing methods like Turkish coffee and espresso.

Machines with lower RPMs often produce more coarse grinds, making them better for most other brewing methods.

Hoppers are good if you serve guests since they hold more beans. However, these aren’t airtight and result in a degradation of freshness in your beans. Leading to a loss in flavor and aroma.

That’s why single-dosers are better. They fit enough beans for a single drink, which’ll result in the freshest beans. However, most machines don’t include single dosers. You’ll need to buy them from third-party sources.

Grind-by-weight (GBW) grinders cost a lot more than timed grinders but will offer more precise grinds. Also, most of them are meant for commercial use. However, folks with fat wallets could get these to optimize their espresso-making.

Grind-by-weight directly measures the amount of coffee, ensuring consistent doses regardless of bean density or humidity. Timed grinders grind for a set duration, leading to variations in grind size and potentially impacting extraction and taste.

Now, we’ll check out some grinder brands.

2. Home Coffee Grinder Brands

Here are a bunch of home coffee grinder brands to consider:

Brands like Mahlkönig will offer prosumer (commercial-like) machines. Whereas, Baratza provides more affordable, less-precise grinders.

Not all models from these brands excel in grinding for espresso due to not having the highest revolutions per minute. For instance, the Baratza Encore isn’t great for grinding espresso due to having 550 RPM. But it’s good for alternative brewing methods (e.g., cold brew).

The Baratza Sette 270 is a better option since it has a higher RPM (650). But it doesn’t compare to the Mahlkönig X54, which offers 1050 RPM.

Perhaps, you want a higher-end grinder without ponying up the extra cost. Consider a used or refurbished grinder. I’ve seen some at Whole Latte Love. If you search for refurbished machines on other sites, ensure they have certified technicians.

And if you buy used, learn about all the parts of a coffee grinder and common issues with said parts. From there, ask the seller for a lot of pictures to ensure you’re not getting ripped off.

Let’s move onto accessories.

3. Coffee Grinder Accessories & Add-ons

Consider these accessories when building your coffee bar:

I mentioned earlier why you need a single doser. In short, it’ll give you the freshest beans possible since you’re using all the beans in the distributor.

Burr cleaning capsules are worth the investment because they’ll make grinder cleaning much easier. You throw some capsules in the machine, grind, and it’ll spit out all the stale grounds and other debris.

It’s essential to clean your grinder regularly to ensure consistency and freshness.

You’ll also need a grinder brush when opening up your machine and cleaning the burrs or blades. If you have a CLEAN paintbrush or toothbrush, those work as alternatives.

A grinding cup helps catch ground coffee if you’re not grinding for espresso. I said that because grinders typically hold portafilter forks to hold portafilters. Why not use a regular cup? Because the stainless steel can resist grinder static due to its smooth surface.

They’re a great alternative to typical grind collection bins that typically collect a lot of static.

That was a lot to cover. Here’s an alternative to consider if you don’t want to deal with a grinder.

3. ESE Pods

Avg. Price: $1.20 per pod

Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) pods are pre-portioned, single-serve coffee filters for easy, mess-free espresso brewing, offering convenience and consistency without grinding beans.

Consider ESE pods if you value effortless brewing and guaranteed extraction without investing in a grinder. They’re quick, clean, and travel-friendly, perfect for busy mornings or occasional espresso indulgences.

You’ll also have “authentic” espresso without having to resort to using Nespresso machines.

However…

You’ll need a portafilter designed to support ESE pods. Most brands will specify on product pages whether their portafilter will support ESE pods. If you’re at a brick-and-mortar store, ask the sales representative.

Did you change your mind about grinders? Here’s something else you’ll need with a grinder.

4. Coffee Bean Scale

Avg. Price: $12 to $200

You’d use a coffee bean scale to measure the weight of water and coffee when brewing coffee and espresso. It’s more accurate than a typical kitchen scale due to its resolution of 0.1 grams.

Such a resolution means they’ll have more accuracy when dealing with smaller measurement units.

Having a scale is important due to consistency, accuracy, and it’ll reduce the waste typically caused by volumetric measurements or guesswork.

Once you grind your coffee, you’ll need to tamp it.

5. Tamper

Avg. Price: $10–$100

Espresso tampers are essential in a home espresso bar because they help evenly pack the coffee grounds into the basket of an espresso machine.

Tamping ensures that the water is forced to interact with the coffee longer and run through the entire puck, resulting in a fuller flavor for the espresso shot.

Here’s what you’ll need to think about when buying one.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Espresso Tamper

Think about these factors when shopping for an espresso tamper:

You’ll need a tamper that fits your portafilter’s size. Otherwise, it’s impossible to tamp your beans.

Automatic tampers are more meant for coffee shops due to their high price and use for automating tamping for hordes of customers. But they can help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

Since you’re letting the machine do all the work instead of straining your wrist and shoulders.

Alternatively, you could get a palm tamper. They’re cheaper than automatic tampers, but still more pricey than regular tampers.

Palm tampers are considered to have better ergonomics than regular ones. When using a palm tamper, you’d push straight down using the palm. This movement keeps the wrist in a more natural position.

It also reduces the risk of wrist or elbow pain compared to the gripping and pushing motion required by a regular tamper.

Flat tampers often result in a better-tasting coffee due to more evenly distributing beans throughout your portafilter. Convex tampers are better for preventing espresso channeling since it’ll prevent water from seeping down the side of your portafilter basket.

Now that you have a tamper, you’ll want to consider a knockbox.

6. Knock Box

Avg. Price: $20–$50

A tamper knock box is a tool to collect the used coffee grounds (also known as the spent espresso pucks) after tamping. It’s designed to make removing the spent pucks from the portafilter basket more efficient and tidy.

A tamper knock box can help keep the workspace clean and organized, making it easier to prepare multiple espresso shots in a row.

Overall, a knock box is a useful tool for anyone who wants to streamline their espresso-making process and keep their workspace clean and organized.

7. Coffee Beans

The type of coffee bean you choose will influence your drink’s taste and how much your bank account will suffer. Your bean’s roast level, blend, origin, and type will determine how your coffee tastes.

There’s a lot that goes into picking coffee beans. That’s why we wrote separate guides helping you pick the best beans:

• Espresso beans vs. coffee beans
• How to store coffee beans
• Coffee roasts guide
• What is single-origin coffee
• Types of coffee beans
• What is fair trade coffee
• Coffee beans buying guide

The beans picked will vary by preference. However, these guides should help guide you toward selecting coffee beans.

When it comes to grinding beans, you’ll need to reduce static in your grinder. Here’s a clever way to do so.

8. RDT Spritzer

Avg. Price: $5–$15

A RDT spritzer, such as a glass spray bottle, is used to apply these small droplets of water to the coffee beans prior to grinding. It’s not some magical item that’ll transform your beans.

The Ross Droplet Technique (RDT) involves spraying or adding a small amount of water to coffee beans before grinding. This technique reduces static-loaded coffee grinds and grind retention.

You should consider getting an RDT spritzer to improve the grinding process by reducing static and clumping of the coffee grounds. Doing so will lead to a more consistent coffee particle distribution and potentially enhance coffee flavor over time.

We have a separate guide that explains everything about coffee static.

For now, let’s keep moving.

9. Puck Screen

Avg. Price: $10–$30

A puck screen is a thin, perforated metal disc that sits on top of the coffee puck in the portafilter basket before extraction. It improves the flavor of your espresso by encouraging even water distribution.

Such distribution also helps prevent espresso channeling, which could ruin your drink.

The screen acts as a barrier between the coffee puck and the shower screen. It prevents the espresso from splashing into direct contact with the group head. Reducing the amount of time you’ll need to clean it.

A puck screen is a useful tool to streamline the espresso-making process and achieve a more consistent and improved espresso experience.

10. Coffee Storage Canister

Coffee storage canisters are essential for home coffee brewing because they’ll preserve freshness by minimizing your beans’ contact with air. This’ll also extend your bean’s shelf-life.

The type of container you choose actually makes a big difference. Picking clear ones look pretty, but they aren’t as airtight as stainless steel or some ceramic containers. They also don’t block UV rays since they’re not opaque or solid.

Vacuum-sealed and displacement containers are your best options. Most containers in these categories do an excellent job at minimizing air contact with your beans.

We wrote a separate guide with recommendations. In short, we recommended the Fellow Atmos as the best because tests showed that it produces the best-tasting coffee. The COFFEEVAC is another great contender that’s also affordable.

We’re almost done, don’t worry.

11. Cleaning Cloths & Rags

Avg. Price: $5–$15

You’ll need to frequently clean spills, dry parts, and wipe down surfaces. I recommend a bar towel for wiping down countertops and spills. Then microfiber cloths for wiping down surfaces on your machine.

You should choose microfiber cloths because they won’t leave lint on your machine or part’s surfaces.

Now, we’re going into a lightning round.

12. Other Items

Here are a bunch of other items to consider using for your espresso bar:

WDT tools are essential for espresso-making since you’d use them to break down clumps of coffee grounds in your portafilter. Doing so will help prevent espresso channeling since you’ll have more even grounds.

Don’t think too much when shopping for a WDT tool. It’s essentially a chunk of plastic with a bunch of paperclips. If you want to get a high-quality one, I recommend getting it from Sworkdesign.

Their WDT tools are a bunch of acupuncture needles attached to a chunk of metal. Instead of just breaking down chunks, it’ll shift your coffee around. Doing this will do a better job at leveling your coffee grounds.

Here are all the guides you’ll need regarding choosing a new portafilter or portafilter basket:

• Bottomless vs. regular portafilters: Pros and cons of using each portafilter type.
• Portafilter size comparison: Explains what portafilter size works for different machines.
• Portafilter basket types: Compares different types of portafilter baskets.
  • These go inside your portafilter.
• IMS vs. VST portafilter baskets: Upgrades that could improve your coffee’s flavor extraction.

Milk products, sweeteners, spices, and syrups are obvious choices for anyone who wants to add different flavors to their drinks. Coffee mugs or espresso cups are another pick you shouldn’t ignore. Otherwise, how will you drink your beverage?

Then, you’ll need a stirring spoon to mix these ingredients.

Tamping mats are good for preserving your countertop.

Kettles are only necessary if you use a manual espresso maker. Since you’ll need to boil the water yourself.

Frothing pitchers are needed if you froth milk for drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

Espresso machine cleaners are for deep cleaning your machine and prolonging its life.

Decorations—I shouldn’t need to explain why you’d need these.

Thermometers and pressure gauges are necessary for troubleshooting if your machine doesn’t include them.

Measuring spoons are needed to scoop coffee if you don’t grind by weight (using a scale).

And that’s all for what you’d need for an espresso bar. If you like variety with your beverages, you should consider other coffee maker types.

13. Consider Other Types of Coffee Machines

You may find yourself sick of drinking espresso daily. Here are other machine types and brewing methods to help you expand your drink variety:

All of these brewing methods and device types will require different grind settings for your coffee grinder. You’ll need to ensure you get a grinder that’s good for coarse and fine grounds in this scenario.

Otherwise, I recommend learning about each of these types of machines and seeing if they’re something you’d consider. Because you probably don’t want to drink espresso daily for the rest of your life.

How much will all the items I listed cost? Let’s see.

How Much Will It Cost to Set up a Home Espresso Bar?

The average cost of a home espresso setup is around $3,000, with an average machine cost of $2,000 and an average grinder cost of $700. Then you’d need to possibly pay more than $2,000 a year on high-quality coffee beans, sweeteners, and other added ingredients.

That’s super-high-end, though.

Here are some other general price ranges for different budget options:

• Low Budget Option: ($100–$300) This setup may limit you in terms of quality and consistency.
• Mid-Range Option: ($300–$800) With this setup, you can make high-quality espresso drinks and frothed milk, but you will still be limited in terms of consistency and control.
• High-End Option: ($800–$1500) With this setup, you will have complete control over every aspect of the brewing process, from grind size to extraction time, and can make high-quality espresso drinks and frothed milk with ease.

Buying 2 drinks per day at a coffee shop will cost around $3,650 annually [1]. Opting for a high-end coffee bar could save you up to $8,653 over 5 years. And it would take you around 17 months to pay off your setup.

These numbers don’t factor in costs of getting to and from the coffee shop. Then you could factor in gas/electricity cost, car depreciation, whether you get into an accident, increased insurance premiums due to driving more, etc.

A bit ridiculous, I know. But if you’re ruthless with budgeting, they’re factors to consider.

These estimates also will vary by coffee shop and the route you take with choosing equipment. There’s also the time investment that goes into making coffee at home. That’s around 10 minutes.

You could save more time by buying from a coffee shop if you live close to one. But this section’s about financial costs, not time.

That’s all for this enormous list. Enjoy your coffee bar.

Conclusion

Setting up a professional at-home coffee or espresso bar could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. However, you’ll get professional-grade coffee and save money in the long run compared to what you’d get at a coffee shop.

If you’re considering starting a coffee business, you should check out our coffee shop checklist.

Here’s what I’ll talk about:

Let’s ride the wave and figure out what this movement is.

Key Takeaways

• Third Wave coffee emphasizes on specialty coffee.
• Focuses more on the coffee-drinking experience rather than the drink.
• There’s no Fourth Wave coffee, yet.
• It isn’t the same as specialty coffee.

What Is Third Wave Coffee?

Third wave coffee is a movement that focuses on sourcing the finest beans, sourced directly from farms. Think bright, nuanced flavors unlocked by lighter roasts and expert brewing methods like pour-over and siphon.

Ethical sourcing and sustainability are key, and knowledgeable baristas guide you through this elevated coffee experience, far beyond your average latte.

Signs of Third wave coffee include:

• Single-origin beans
• Latte art
• Drinks with specific flavor notes (think fruity aromas)
• Bean origin transparency
• Artesian brewing methods (e.g., manual pour-over)
• Displayed roast dates
• A lot of aesthetics in coffee shops
• High-end glassware

If you see any of the above, you’re “taking part” in the Third Wave movement. It focuses on creating an experience for the coffee drinker instead of caffeinating themselves. For instance, coffee shops will see themselves as educators on everything coffee.

Ask, and they’ll provide information on your coffee’s country of origin, roast profile, date, etc.

There’s more to defining Third wave coffee. Let’s check it out.

Features of Third Wave Coffee

The features of Third wave coffee are as follows:

1. Lighter Roasts

Roasters often use lighter roasts to preserve the delicate flavors of the beans. This results in a brighter, more nuanced cup of coffee.

2. Emphasis on Sustainability

Roasters are committed to sustainable practices, such as using organic farming methods and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives. This helps to protect the planet and ensure that coffee production can continue for generations to come.

3. Direct Trade

Roasters often source their beans directly from farmers, paying fair prices and building relationships with the people who grow the coffee. This ensures that farmers are rewarded for their hard work and that the coffee is ethically sourced.

4. Focus on Quality

Third wave coffee emphasizes using high-quality, specialty-grade coffee beans. These beans are typically grown at high altitudes, hand-picked, and carefully processed to bring out their unique flavors.

5. Innovative Brewing Methods

Coffee shops typically experiment with different brewing methods to bring out the best flavors in the coffee. This could include using pour-over cones, Chemex coffee makers, or siphon brewers.

6. Focus on the Coffee Experience

Third wave coffee shops are designed to create a unique and enjoyable coffee experience. This could include providing information about the coffee beans, offering brewing demonstrations, and creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

Focusing on such features increases the cost of each cup of coffee. However, it’ll result in higher-quality, more sustainable coffee.

Third Wave Coffee vs. Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is coffee graded at 80 points or more by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) [1]. Third wave coffee builds on that foundation by emphasizing ethical practices, transparency, and innovative brewing techniques.

Third wave coffee isn’t a type of coffee drink or brewing method, it’s a mindset and an experience.

By the way, what’s the SCA? The Specialty Coffee Association sets global coffee standards, promotes knowledge, and empowers coffee professionals.

Now, let’s move on to Third wave coffee’s history.

History of Third Wave Coffee

Coffee author and broker, Timothy J Castle, coined the term “Third Wave Coffee” in December 1999. When he wrote the article, Coffee’s Third Wave, for the magazine, Tea & Coffee Asia [2]. However, he defined it a bit differently than the actual definition.

He meant for Third wave coffee to have roasters dedicate more attention to coffee production than the Second Wave.

Second Wave coffee began in the late 1960s because of Peet’s Coffee & Tea, which started in 1966. It focused on sourcing and blending, with a focus on the bean’s country of origin.

From there, Starbucks was created and allegedly took inspiration from Peet’s Coffee. It focused on artisanal sourcing to transform the way people thought about coffee.

In 1995, Starbucks expanded to the United Kingdom. From there, the UK began to take part in the Third Wave movement and championed it. James Hoffmann, an English barista, set up his first Third Wave roastery in 2008.

Also, between 2007 and 2009, Hoffmann was one of the winners in the World Barista Championship. Folks began to regard him as a pioneer of the movement in the UK [3].

Nowadays, you’ll find tens of thousands of Third wave coffee shops and cafés worldwide.

I mentioned “Second Wave coffee.” Which means there’s also a “First Wave.” How do these differ from Third Wave?

Third Wave Coffee vs. Second Wave Coffee vs. First Wave Coffee

In short:

• First Wave: Outbreak of coffee consumption.
• Second Wave: Defining specialty coffee.
• Third Wave: Artesian coffee production and purchasing based on origin.

1. First Wave Coffee

• Period: Mid-19th to mid-20th century
• Focus: Mass production and affordability
• Beans: Often commercially sourced, low-grade Robusta beans, heavily roasted for consistency
• Brewing: Primarily drip coffee makers, focus on convenience and quantity
• Experience: Utilitarian coffee shops, primarily seen as a quick fuel source
• Examples: Folgers, Maxwell House, diner coffee

First Wave coffee is commodity (or commercial-grade) coffee. That means the manufacturers don’t emphasize on quality and focus on mass production. Signs of First Wave coffee include:

• Coffee you’d see in a Walmart (think Maxwell House).
• Dark and bitter
• Artificially flavored beans.

This movement began in the 1800s, with coffee brands like Maxwell House and Folgers wanting to target household coffee consumption throughout the United States. And to draw in these coffee drinkers, they needed to produce affordable coffee.

But affordability led to cheap and mass-produced coffee, which sacrifices quality. Examples of coffee under this category would include instant coffee or vacuum packaging

2. Second Wave Coffee

• Period: 1960s–1990s
• Focus: Specialty coffee and café culture
• Beans: Higher quality Arabica beans, sourced from specific regions, roasted to highlight origin flavors
• Brewing: Introduction of espresso-based drinks, automatic espresso machines, pour-over methods
• Experience: Rise of coffee shop chains like Starbucks, focus on atmosphere and social gathering
• Examples: Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, Caribou Coffee

Second Wave coffee is a movement when specialty coffee houses such as Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, and Peet’s Coffee began shifting toward making coffee drinking an experience. Meaning that coffee would come from specific countries and would result in better-tasting drinks.

Signs of Second Wave coffee include:

• Emphasis on flavored drinks (e.g., café latte).
• More of a focus on country of origin
• Baristas passionate about coffee shop experience

Introductions of such drinks transformed the coffee-drinking landscape worldwide, with more of an emphasis on coffee shops, stands, and cafés.

3. Third Wave Coffee

• Period: Mid-2000s onwards
• Focus: Ethical sourcing, sustainability, intricate flavors, craft brewing
• Beans: Emphasis on single-origin beans, meticulous sourcing directly from farmers, focus on varietals and processing methods
• Brewing: Experimentation with diverse brewing methods like pour-over, siphon, AeroPress, cold brew, highlighting the bean’s unique characteristics
• Experience: Independent coffee shops with knowledgeable baristas, focus on education and appreciation of coffee as a craft beverage
• Examples: Blue Bottle Coffee, Intelligentsia Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters

All the sections above emphasize what Third wave coffee focuses on. It’s different from First- and Second Wave coffee since it focuses on flavor exploration, craft approach, ethics, and the coffee-drinking experience.

How about Fourth Wave coffee?

Is There a Fourth Wave Coffee?

There isn’t a Fourth Wave coffee at the time of writing. Everything related to fourth wave coffee at the moment is speculation. However, many folks believe that it’ll focus on transparency, education, and improving coffee-making equipment.

Some people suggest it might focus on convenient coffee making at home with machines such as Keurig and Nespresso pods.

Or it could focus on emphasizing the additives that went into each coffee drink. For instance, an emphasis on cocoa fermentation that went into a drink’s chocolate syrup.

It would most likely focus on addressing issues folks suffer from, like:

• Fluctuating coffee prices: Seeking alternate forms of income to keep coffee-making profitable.
• Welfare transparency: How coffee workers are treated.
• Specialty coffee at home: Think high-quality coffee beans and machines.
• Climate change: Welfare of coffee-growing regions.

There’s also talk of an emphasis on micro-lots. A micro-lot is a tiny batch of coffee beans, meticulously sorted from a specific area or farm, showcasing unique flavor profiles impossible in mass production.

Its small size allows for intense care and control, making it the jewel of high-quality coffee.

That’s all theory, though. Otherwise, thanks for reading.

Conclusion

Third wave coffee isn’t a specific type of coffee or brewing method. It’s a movement that focuses on sustainability and a better experience when drinking coffee.

Want to keep learning more about coffee? Here’s a great place to start.

I’ll pit Nespresso and Keurig against each other in various categories (e.g., cost). You’ll then see who’s superior in each category.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Keurig machines cost $50–75 less than Nespresso machines (on average).
• Nespresso is better for anyone who primarily drinks espresso-based beverages.
• K-Cups pods cost up to $1.40 less per serving than Nespresso pods.
• Current generation Keurig models make tea, hot chocolate, and black coffee, but not espresso.
• It’s much easier to recycle K-Cups than Nespresso pods.

Which Is Better, Nespresso or Keurig?

Nespresso is better regarding taste and access to espresso. But Keurig has more pod flavors available, costs less (with pods and machine), and has easier to recycle pods.

But a lot of Americans may not feel the same way.

Keurig has much more popularity than Nespresso. 61% of single-serve machine owners in the United States used Keurig [1]. Meanwhile, 4% have Nespresso devices. All this information came from 2015, though.

And it doesn’t tell us about how popular Nespresso machines are in the rest of the world. Nor could I find any information that supports my question.

Let’s dive deeper into seeing which machine and brewing method is better.

Key Differences Between Nespresso & Keurig

Keurig wins:

• More affordable machine and cost per serving.
• Also able to make tea and hot chocolate.
• Better ergonomics on some models.
• Easier to recycle pods.

If you’re someone who’s eco-conscious, who’s on a budget, and doesn’t strictly drink coffee, opt for a Keurig machine. However, you’ll need to make sure K-Cups are available in your country. Because they’re not abundant in many parts of the world.

Nespresso wins:

• More control over milk texture and temperature with milk frothers.
• Able to make espresso.
• Doesn’t taste watery and bitter.
• Able to brew carafes of coffee with Vertuo models.
• Machines aren’t as bulky.

Nespresso doesn’t have the best taste, but it’s better than Keurig. Making it better for anyone with a bit of extra money who wants a machine that’ll fit in compact spaces (e.g., office). And who wants a somewhat tasty beverage.

However:

You could save money on Nespresso machines and pods by opting for second-hand machines and reusable Vertuo lids or Original pods.

This may not be enough information to help you determine which is best. I’ll do a lot more talking in a second.

Nespresso vs. Keurig

Here’s an overview of various factors to consider when pitting these brands against one-another:

* These numbers may change at any time.

** This varies by model.

The following sections will provide more details on each area in the table above.

Let’s dive in.

1. Price per Serving

Are Nespresso or Keurig pods cheaper: Tie

Nespresso pods from each of the following lines will have these costs:

• Original Line pods: $0.80–$2.00 each
• Vertuo Line pods: $0.98–$1.65 each

You could use third-party brands to get cheaper Nespresso-compatible Original line pods, since this line of machines doesn’t use barcode scanning technology. For instance, I found Lavazza Maestro Intenso pods that cost $0.44 per capsule [2].

K-Cups cost $0.47–$0.60 per pod. Or you could make your own K-Cups using the reusable cup and 1–2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. This will cost $0.05–$0.20 per serving and allows you to have more variety with your coffee.

Keurig used to have other types of pods like Rivo, K-Carafe, K-Vue, and K-Mug, but these don’t exist anymore due to Keurig discontinuing their compatible machines. Capsules from these machines cost up to $2.25 per serving and would have brought Keurig down in my ranking.

With those numbers in mind, let’s see how much you’d pay a year for Keurig versus Nespresso:

The prices for coffee shop beverages don’t include anything specific. For instance, the price isn’t for a specific drink. As I couldn’t find coffee shop drinks that would correlate to K-Cup and Nespresso cup sizes.

Coffee shops also require you to pay for gas or electricity for your car. Then there’s car depreciation, which adds more costs to visiting a coffee shop.

The “price per year” equals drinking 1 cup of coffee daily. It doesn’t account for anyone who drinks more than 1 cup.

Opting for espresso from Nespresso machines will save you 60% per year compared to buying similar drinks at a coffee shop. More than 90% if you opt for third-party Nespresso-compatible pods.

If you want espresso, there’s no comparing the price per serving for Nespresso and Keurig. Nespresso is your only option since they produce espresso, and Keurig doesn’t.

If you want black coffee, Nespresso Vertuo pods cost 174% more than K-Cups annually. 724% if comparing them to adding your own coffee grounds to reusable K-Cups.

We’re not done.

I said both machines are a tie for price per capsule. That’s because I haven’t bought out Nespresso’s secret weapons. The reusable pods for Original line machines and additional foil lids for Vertuo machines.

I’ve seen many reviews stating the reusable pods have questionable reliability compared to reusable K-Cups. But they’re not expensive—in the long run. Otherwise, they’d have the same price as reusable K-Cups.

Some foil lid refills I’ve seen cost around $0.12 per lid. What you’d do is remove the punctured lid of your Vertuo pod, empty the grounds, and add new grounds. Then you’ll pay around $0.17–$0.37 per serving.

You’ll also need to consider the machine’s price.

Summary: A serving with a Keurig pod costs less than each Nespresso serving.

2. Machine Price

Are Keurig or Nespresso machines cheaper: Keurig

Nespresso machine prices range from $150–$300. Meanwhile, most Keurig models range from $75 to $250.

And if you want more variety with your Nespresso machines—for example, a latte—you’ll need to spend more than $80 on a separate milk frother or $300 on a Lattissima model.

Summary: Keurig machines, on average, cost less than Nespresso devices.

3. Range of Machines & Device Quality

Winner:

• For home: Nespresso
• For business: Keurig

Nespresso has 2 lines of machines:

• Original: Brews only espresso.
• Vertuo: Brews black coffee and espresso.

The Original line uses smaller pods and offers around 24 flavors to brew Americanos. If it’s a model like the Lattissima One, it’ll include a milk frother. A device that allows you to froth milk to brew cappuccinos, lattes, and such.

Vertuo has 25 types of pods that’ll allow you to make black coffee or an Americano. Few machines have milk frothers. But if you’re entertaining guests, you’ll love this line of machines since many of them support brewing into carafes.

All Nespresso Original line machines will brew at 19 bars of pressure. An optimal number of bars for brewing espresso through pods. The Vertuo machines use Centrifusion technology, which allows it to brew black coffee and espresso without relying on bars of pressure.

Centrifusion technology is a brewing system that spins the capsule up to 7,000 rotations per minute to extract the coffee and create a rich, smooth crema. Or smooth black coffee.

Almost all Keurig machines, however, use 1 bar of pressure [3]. Meaning, they can’t brew espresso. As espresso requires at least 9 bars of pressure, otherwise, it’ll come out too bitter or sour.

I said “almost.” The Keurig Rivo uses 15 bars of pressure and is one of Keurig’s few devices that can brew espresso [4]. However, it’s much more expensive than even the highest-end Nespresso makers. And it’s discontinued.

Keurig has an enormous variety of machine models (87+), but almost all of them only brew black coffee. And most of the machines feel the same.

If you’re a business owner, then Keurig wins since they actually have commercial models available. Nespresso doesn’t.

They also do have more variety with pods, but not brewing methods. Making Nespresso the winner in this category.

Let’s check out a feature some of their machines have.

Summary: Keurig has more models available, but they don’t produce more than 1 type of coffee, unlike Nespresso machines.

4. Milk Frother & Steam Wand

Winner: Nespresso

Keurig has 2 models with a milk frother: Rivo and K-Café. Neither have steam wands, unlike the Nespresso Creatista from the Original and Vertuo lines.

Steam wands produce better-tasting milk because they allow you more control over your froth’s temperature and consistency.

Automatic milk frothers don’t offer such a luxury. Thus, it comes out as a lower quality. But they’re amazing for people who don’t care about the highest-quality micro- and macrofoam. However, both Nespresso lines have Lattissima models, which include built-in milk frothers.

The Lattissima models don’t offer as many buttons as the K-Café, but it produces espresso. With the K-Café, you’re mixing black coffee with milk.

The Creatista models blow any Keurig with milk frothers out of the water, since they allow you to control your milk steam’s temperature and texture levels.

Using a milk frother will require you to clean the machine, though. That’s where the next section comes into play.

Summary: Nespresso’s machines have milk frothers and steam wands. They also allow for more customizability than Keurig’s.

5. Machine Usability & Ease of Cleaning

Winner: Tied

Both machines are simple to use and clean. However, a couple Keurig models (e.g., K-Duo Plus) have actual handles on their water tanks. Making them more accessible for folks with wrist problems to grip.

Some of these models also have adjustable water tanks, which makes them easier to fit in narrow counter spaces. Or, if you have ample space, make it so you can see how much water is in the tank.

That makes it a bit easier to maintain.

Making Keurig the winner in ergonomics, on a couple of models.

In general, many Keurig machines are much heavier than Nespresso machines. Making them more of a pain to fit on your countertop or to move around.

There’s no definite winner as to which model’s easier to clean. Some models both companies offer have removable water tanks. Few will have descaling alerts, and others will have automatic frothing cleaning abilities (e.g., Nespresso Lattissima).

If this factor pushes you toward either brand, consider your needs before buying.

Here’s a factor that actually makes a difference.

Summary: Nespresso and Keurig machines are easy to use and clean. There’s no overall features or design choices that put either brand ahead.

6. Coffee Pods

Who has more variety:

• For coffee: Keurig
• For espresso: Nespresso

In addition to black coffee, you’ll also find Keurig pods like:

• Hot chocolate
• Tea
• Decaffeinated coffee
• Espresso (Rivo only)
• Sweet coffee drinks

Nespresso Original capsules only provide solo espresso shots. Vertuo pods offer double espresso, black coffee, sweet (flavored) coffee drinks, and doppio (double espresso shot).

Keurig has much more variety regarding beverage types, since you could also get hot chocolate and tea. And they’ve done collaborations with many brands (e.g., Tim Hortons) to provide more of a variety.

Despite having more variety, let’s talk about how they taste.

Summary: Keurig allows you to make more beverage types, but not espresso. Nespresso is better if you’re after espresso drinks.

7. Drink Taste & Quality

Winner: Nespresso

Based on my experience, a lot of Keurig coffee that I’ve had was watery and bitter. Many other folks also agree with me. While Nespresso isn’t “authentic” espresso, it has a creamier, richer taste than anything made from K-Cups.

The black coffee from Nespresso Vertuo machines also has a stronger, creamier flavor than anything made with Nespresso. So long as you’re using official Vertuo pods.

Regarding tea and hot chocolate from Keurig, I’d instead get tea bags or hot chocolate packets. They’re cheaper and have more complex flavors.

While Nespresso outdoes its competitor in taste, it doesn’t do so in recyclability.

Summary: Taste is subjective, but in general, many people agree that anything made from Nespresso tastes better than Keurig.

9. Environmental Impact & Recyclability

Winner: Keurig

Ever since 2020, Keurig has made all their K-Cups recyclable [5]. Nespresso’s pods are also recyclable, but K-Cups have EASY-PEEL lids, which makes them easier to tear open and empty the grounds.

From there, you’d chuck the K-Cups in your recycling bin and let the government do the rest of the work. So long as your community recycles polypropylene (#5 plastic).

Nespresso’s pods are also recyclable, but they require you to drop them off at a collection point. Are you outside a major city in your state? You’re not finding a recycling point.

And if you don’t want to make your way to a recycling collection center, you’ll need to recycle them through their mail-back program or a TerraCycle collection point. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to take time out of your day to do all this.

And yeah, I said state. Almost all countries don’t have Nespresso recycling points. Making it even more inconvenient for folks outside the United States [6].

Did you read this entire guide without knowing what a Nespresso machine is? No worries.

Summary: You can throw K-Cups in recycling bins after emptying them. But not Nespresso pods.

What Is a Nespresso Machine

A Nespresso machine is a type of machine that brews espresso and coffee from coffee capsules. These pods are pre-apportioned single-use containers of ground coffee beans, sometimes with added flavorings.

The machine uses 19 bars of pressure to extract the coffee from the capsule, producing a concentrated, flavorful cup of coffee or espresso.

There are 2 main types of Nespresso machines: Original and Vertuo. Nespresso designed Original machines to brew espresso. While Vertuo machines brew espresso and larger cups of coffee.

And here’s a refresher for Keurig machines.

What Is a Keurig Machine?

A Keurig machine is a single-serve coffee maker that uses K-Cups, pre-packaged coffee pods, to brew coffee. K-Cups are small, plastic cups that contain coffee grounds and a filter.

When you insert a K-Cup into a Keurig machine, the machine pierces the cup and injects less than 1 bar of pressure of hot water through it [7]. Brewing a single cup of coffee. 

Wait. There’s another challenger in the capsule machine space that I didn’t cover.

Keurig vs. TASSIMO vs. Nespresso

A new challenger has entered the ring. Let’s compare it to Keurig and Nespresso:

Before I continue, what is TASSIMO?

TASSIMO is a single-serve beverage system from France that brews a variety of hot drinks, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and various other coffee drinks. It uses non-reusable plastic pods, called T-Discs.

Their machines cost more, on average, than Nespresso and Keurig machines. Their pods also cost more per serving, if you don’t opt for reusable T-Discs. Regarding variety, they have more options than Nespresso, but not Keurig.

TASSIMO machines are also difficult to find outside of Europe. Making them inaccessible to most countries.

Summary: TASSIMO machines cost more and have more pods available than Nespresso. But they aren’t as affordable as Keurig. Nor do they have as many options.

Conclusion

If you want to make espresso, or care about decent-tasting coffee, opt for Nespresso machines. They don’t cost that much more. However, if you want more variety, and care about recyclable pods, use Keurig.

Don’t want either coffee maker? Check out other single-serve coffee machines that we recommend.